Lincoln City v Birmingham City injury news as 7 out and 6 doubts

Birmingham City are doing their final bits of preparation as they prepare for their next EFL League One fixture which is against Lincoln City at Sincil Bank.

Their last match was just under a week ago, beating Shrewsbury Town 4-0 in the EFL Trophy, without several players due to injuries and international call-ups. Lincoln too had their game postponed, but also played in the EFL Trophy, defeating Grimsby Town.

The Imps have had a good start to the season, and are three places below them in the table. The international break is over and team’s have trained, and so here’s how things look in terms of injuries and suspensions for both sides.

Birmingham City team news

Birmingham City have been dealt a major blow as Jay Stansfield has picked up an injury whilst away on international duty. He linked up with the England under-21s squad as they qualified for next year's EUROs, but he played no part in the 7-0 win over Azerbaijan.

Stansfield has three goals and an assist in five games this season after re-joining from Fulham. He picked up a knock whilst away with England, and is 'unlikely' to play this weekend.

Bailey Peacock-Farrell could be doubtful after withdrawing from international duty with a shoulder injury. He was in line to make his 49th, and 50th appearances for Northern Ireland, but had to withdraw.

His injury came having been an unused substitute for the last two games, but it appears that he picked it up whilst playing against Peterborough United. Ryan Allsop played the EFL Trophy game against Shrewsbury Town, with Bradley Mayo acting as back-up.

Tomoki Iwata suffered an ankle injury in the win against Shrewsbury. He got himself on the score sheet but had to come off at half-time, but thankfully it doesn’t seem too serious, and he’s set to play a part.

Krystian Bielik picked up an ankle injury in the defeat to Charlton Athletic, and was said to be out for a couple of weeks. It appears he is no closer to returning despite more than a week since their last game, and that he will be monitored 'day-by-day'.

Lee Buchanan suffered a calf injury during pre-season, and has been sidelined since the end of July. He was closing in on a return in September, but suffered a separate calf issue, and that's prevented him from making a return.

Over the last fortnight, Ethan Laird committed his long-term future to the club by signing a new contract. He's been sidelined with an ankle injury since August, but has returned to full training, and could make a return to the match day squad, but Saturday might come too soon.

Luke Harris suffered a similar injury in the same game as Laird, and is in light training. A return can’t be too far away for the Wales under-21 international who is on loan from Fulham.

Alfie Chang is a long-term absentee after suffering a knee injury in August 2023. He's not been registered with the first-team this season, and so he’s only able to play for the under-21s, and in the EFL Trophy.

Out: Alfie Chang, Lee Buchanan, Jay Stansfield, Luke Harris, and Krystian Bielik. Doubt: Bailey Peacock-Farrell, and Ethan Laird.

Lincoln City team news

Former Birmingham City goalkeeper Zach Jeacock hasn't made the match day squad for the last four games. Reeco Hackett returned to action last Tuesday after dislocating his shoulder, and is in contention.

Ethan Hamilton got eight minutes in the 2-1 win against Leyton Orient following a spell on the sidelines. The 25-year-old had been injured from the middle of February onwards.

At the end of September, Ben House suffered a broken nose, and missed the next three games as a result. He’s expected to return to action on Saturday. Tyler Walker meanwhile rolled his ankle in a pre-season match in July, and had to see a specialist. His return date is around the end of October.

According to The Stacey West, Adam Jackson was training separately on Tuesday, and is 'likely' to miss the gme at the weekend. Jackson appears to be touch-and-go for the fixture after an injury picked up against Grimsby, and should he miss out he might have to undergo a scan.

In a new blow to Lincoln's injury worries however, Tom Bayliss is set for a spell on the sidelines. He has injured his knee ligaments in the game against Barnsley, and it's unsure yet whether he'll require surgery or not.

Jovon Makama was reportedly forced off with a groin injury in the game against Leyton Orient. He recently signed a new three-year deal with the club, and manager Michael Skubala said he’d keep a close eye on how that would play out over the next few weeks. Lincoln had a medical report on Freddie Draper.

Doubt: Adam Jackson, Zach Jeacock, Jovon Makama, and Freddie Draper. Out: Tyler Walker, and Tom Bayliss.