Birmingham City vs Burnley injury news as five players out and two doubts

Birmingham City face a very tough test this evening as they take on second place Burnley in the Championship.

The Blues are looking for their third consecutive victory after beating Hull and Bristol City, while they have only lost one of thier last seven matches. However, the Clarets are enjoying an eleven-game unbeaten run and will take a superb performance to break them down this evening.

A win against Burnley could see the Midlands club leap up into eighth place, while Vincent Kompany’s side will look to return to the top of the Championship.

City have been without a number of key players due to injury and will be eager to bring them back into the line-up in one of the hardest clashes yet.

Here is the latest injury news...

Birmingham City

Gary Gardner - injured

Gary Gardner has only made two appearances this season and hasn’t featured for the Blues since their 2-1 defeat to Norwich in Birmingham after he picked up a calf injury.

The 30-year-old is thought to be making progress but is unlikely to return to action before the World Cup break next month.

Marc Roberts - injured

Roberts has been a regular in City’s team this season up until he suffered a hamstring problem that has left him in the medical room for the past month.

It is unclear when the defender will be available but it is likely to be after the World Cup.

Przemsyslaw Placheta - injured

Przemsyslaw Placheta has been struggling with shin issues since August and remains a long term absentee.

The Norwich City loanee will be sidelined longer than the former two and is expected to miss out on Poland’s World Cup campaign.

George Friend - doubt

George Friend is close to returning to full fitness after missing out the entirety of the campaign so far with a hamstring problem.

The defender has returned to first team training and will feature in the upcoming Blues’ Under-21 match, however their clash with Burnley is likely to come too soon.

Nico Gordon - doubt

Gordon hasn’t featured for the Blues since their home defeat to Blackburn Rovers back in May but has returned to training after almost six months on the treatment table.

However, the 20-year-old will take a while to return to full fitness and remains a major doubt for the remainder of the month.

Dion Sanderson - available

Dion Sanderson missed out on City’s trip to Hull at the weekend due to suspension. The centre-back was shown his fifth yellow card of the season during their home win over Bristol City at the start of the month.

Sanderson only served a one-match ban and so will be available for selection this evening.

Burnley

Scott Twine - injured

Scott Twine has had a difficult start to life at Turf Moor since his highly anticipated move from MK Dons in the summer. The 23-year-old made his debut against Huddersfield Town on the first day of the season but hasn’t featured for the Clarets since.

Twine had suffered a hip injury and suffered a setback last month, delaying his return. It is unclear when he will feature again but he certainly won’t be available tonight.

Darko Churlinov - injured

Churlinov has been sidelined since suffering a serious ankle injury in April and is looking to make a return for the Under-21 side later this month.

It is thought that the 32-year-old could be involved with the senior team before the World Cup.