Birmingham City vs Sunderland latest injury news - as seven confirmed out and four doubts

Birmingham City take on Sunderland at St Andrew’s on Friday evening as they play their fourth Sky Bet Championship fixture in the space of 10 days. John Eustace’s side will be eager to continue their impressive unbeaten streak in a final outing before the World Cup break.

Blues claimed a late draw against Swansea City last time out as boyhood Bluenoses Troy Deeney netted in the 89th minute to salvage a point. Top scorer Scott Hogan got on the scoresheet yet again, taking his tally for the season to nine.

Sunderland have been in far worse form comparatively, dropping off somewhat after a strong start to the campaign. It was defeat for Tony Mowbray’s men in their most recent outing as Cardiff City ran out 1-0 victors at the Stadium of Light - courtesy of a goal from Mark Harris.

The Black Cats have won just two of their last 10 league games and have lost four in this period. They were victorious the last time they went out on the road, though, as they beat Huddersfield Town at the start of November. Sunderland are currently four points below Blues, down in 17th place.

Eustace and his team, who can move closer to the play-off spots with a win, will likely be licking their lips at Sunderland’s recent form. There are some injury worries which could make things a little tougher, however, and Blues have of course played more recently than the Black Cats.

What is the injury news ahead of Birmingham City vs Sunderland?

Key midfield man Krystian Bielik is back after serving his one-match suspension against Swansea on Tuesday. Harlee Dean, who missed the clash with the Swans, is doubtful with the ‘slight knock’ he picked up against Stoke City last weekend.

Midfielder Przemyslaw Placheta is ruled out with a shin injury, whereas experienced defender Marc Roberts has been back in training for two weeks and could well be back for selection. He’s still a doubt at this stage, though.

Nico Gordon has been playing with the U21s and is theoretically ready for selection once again. Defender George Friend is also back after returning to the matchday squad against Swansea. Gary Gardner is still sidelined with a calf injury but will be back training for the start of the World Cup.

For Sunderland meanwhile, midfielder Luke O’Nien is suspended for the game after picking up five yellow cards before the cut-off point. Youngster Niall Huggins has been in training after a back stress fracture but is still a doubt.

Ross Stewart and Dan Ballard are ‘on track’ to make a comeback after the World Cup but won’t feature against Blues, Mowbray revealed pre-match. Lyndon Gooch and Aji Alese are two others who won’t be available for the Black Cats until December.