Birmingham City vs Plymouth Argyle injury news - as seven players ruled out and four doubts

Birmingham City and Plymouth Argyle have both been struck with new long-term injuries ahead of Saturday afternoon’s Sky Bet Championship clash at St Andrew’s. Both sides will be eager to continue the momentum after their strong starts to the season but will be setback somewhat by their latest fitness woes.

Saturday’s hosts confirmed on Thursday afternoon that 20-year-old midfielder Alfie Chang has suffered a significant knee injury and will undergo surgery in the coming days. Although not a starter for Birmingham early this campaign, Chang has often been utilised as a rotation option by John Eustace and will be a huge miss.

Reacting to the news in the pre-match press conference, Eustace said: “It is a massive blow to lose Alfie. His attitude is fantastic, the way he prepares and trains, to miss him now for a large part of the season is a big blow. He will be back stronger and will be a massive player for the club going forward.”

Chang isn’t the only player unavailable for this weekend as Ethan Laird and Siriki Dembele have both picked up minor muscular issues. “Ethan and Siriki will both be struggling for this weekend, we will have to see where they are next week and, hopefully, we can have them back for Millwall,” Eustace confirmed.

Marcel Oakley, who would usually deputise for Laird, will definitely miss out with a hamstring issue but should be back at the start of September. Meanwhile, Tyler Roberts is still a week or so away with a calf problem, though Marc Roberts (also calf) and George Hall (ankle) could make their returns to the matchday squad.

Ruled out: Chang, Laird, Dembele, Oakley, T. Roberts. Doubts: M. Roberts, Hall.

Plymouth Argyle team news

The Pilgrims, who are 11th in the Championship after their first three matches, have been dealt with a big blow as left-back Saxon Earley has torn a ligament in his ankle and will need surgery to repair the damage. The 20-year-old was man of the match against Watford but will be out for at least three months.

Goalkeeper Michael Cooper is still a little way off but is nearing his long-awaited return after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in February. Elsewhere, defensive duo Macaulay Gillesphey (groin) and Brendan Galloway (leg) both remain doubtful. Other than that, Argyle boss Steven Schumacher has a fully-fit squad.

Ruled out: Earley, Cooper. Doubts: Gillesphey, Galloway.