Lee Bowyer confirms Birmingham City dealt with more injury woe ahead of Preston clash

Birmingham City have been dealt with yet more injury blows ahead of Saturday’s important Championship clash with Preston North End.

The Blues, have been ravaged with issues from week one of the campaign and just as things seem to be turning a positive corner, they seem to hit yet another enormous brick wall.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s game, Lee Bowyer confirmed that Troy Deeney is facing a period on the sidelines.

“Troy did something to his thigh at the end of the game on Saturday,” he explained.

“It was only when he came off that I was aware that there was a problem and apparently the last few seconds or something he felt something in his thigh and he’s going to be out for a little while. Around four weeks.”

And new signing Taylor Richards, who most were very excited to see in action is also suffering with an ankle problem.

The manager confirmed that it was a problem he had when they brought him to a club and there is no clear time frame of when he’ll be ready for action.

“[Taylor Richards] he’s got a problem with his ankle,” Bowyer added.

“So we haven’t got a date on him yet but he’s definitely one that I’m looking forward to working with.

“All I can tell you is what I’m being told. We have to keep looking at him day-by-day, he’s not going to be available this weekend.”

In positive injury news - yes, it does exist - Blues can expect to welcome back three or four players against Preston including Gary Gardner who hobbled off in the defeat to Plymouth Argyle.

“Gary is fine, he did have a swollen ankle but he’s a tough lad. He started training Tuesday he’s going to be OK.

“Marc Roberts started training on Monday so up to now he’s had a full weeks training which is good.

“Jukey did a little bit with a group on Tuesday and today is his first full training session with the group so that’s good.

“Troy is out now so we need Jukey to be OK.

“Bela has started training fully today - he had a thigh strain and obviously Jukey and Robbo both had hamstring injuries.”

George Friend will be unavailable through suspension after picking up a red card last time out but other than that, it’s as you were - I think.

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