Preston North End v Birmingham City injury news as seven ruled out and four doubts

Birmingham City have a chance to right the wrong of Saturday’s defeat to Watford as they make the trip to Deepdale to face Preston North End in the EFL Championship.

Mileta Rajovic and Ryan Andrews both scored in stoppage time as the Blues' winless record at Vicarage Road continued. To make matters worse, summer signing Lee Buchanan was dismissed and that meant Birmingham could not hold on for at least a point. Preston North End were victorious meanwhile as they beat Plymouth Argyle in front of their own supporters, and remain top of the league with five wins and one draw.

Birmingham now face their second away game in a few days, in what is set to be a busy week given there is also QPR to face at St Andrews on Friday night, with not much of a turn-around between fixtures.

Below is the team and injury news of both Birmingham City and Preston North End, ahead of their match on Tuesday night.

Birmingham City team news

Lee Buchanan will miss the trip to Lancashire after being sent off in the 88th minute. He was shown two yellow cards and will have to sit out of the trip which will come as a blow given his positive start to the season.

John Eustace admitted that Siriki Dembele, Tyler Roberts and Ethan Laird were 'touch and go' for Saturday's clash but the trio weren't amongst the substitutes, and so their absence again is doubtful.

A calf injury has ruled out Roberts, meanwhile Dembele and Laird have both had to contend with hamstring injuries which forced them off in the win against Bristol City. The double game-week makes for a short turnaround and so it could be considered best to allow all three players to have a full week of training with no interruptions, and instead feature them against QPR on Friday night.

Buchanan's suspension does bring up a question as to who will fit in at that role, and should Laird find himself fit then he could slot in at right-back, and Cody Drameh moved to the left.

George Hall is the third player to be dealing with a hamstring problem and is expected to miss out this time. He suffered his in the Carabao Cup defeat to Cardiff City and despite having the international break to cover will likely have to spend more time out. Alfie Chang's also ruled out after suffering an all-but season ending injury whilst taking part in training back in August.

Lukas Jutkiewicz meanwhile is ruled out as he serves the final of his three-game suspension. He was sent off in the second-half in the loss to Cardiff, and has missed the last two games.

Doubtful: Ethan Laird, Siriki Dembele and Tyler Roberts. Out: Alfie Chang, George Hall, Lukas Jutkiewicz, and, Lee Buchanan.

Preston North End team news

Will Keane suffered a knock whilst on international duty and was not risked for the match-day squad. He remains doubtful for Tuesday’s clash, but Preston have several attacking options should he miss out.

Ben Whiteman and Robbie Brady made their first appearances of the season, having dealt with injuries before a competitive ball was kicked in anger. Both players came off the bench and are now pushing for a place in the starting 11, whilst Patrick Bauer was left out of the squad on Saturday, though that was down to squad selection.

Meanwhile club captain Alan Browne was substituted at half-time, but Ryan Lowe admitted to sister outlet Lancashire Evening Post that it was a tactical decision due to his contribution for Ireland.

Danish forward Emil Riis Jakobsen's long spell on the sidelines has been prolonged by six weeks. He suffered a knee injury back in January and he had been working towards a return but now the next international break looks more of a realistic target.

Former Sheffield United striker Ched Evans meanwhile remains unavailable for the hosts having had a 'serious medical condition' which required surgery earlier this year. Liverpool loanee Calvin Ramsay meanwhile has returned to his parent club where he will rehabilitate following a spate of injuries.

Layton Stewart has got himself back fit and appeared amongst the substitutes on the weekend, and will be keen to get on the pitch after coming through an intra-squad match last week.

Doubtful: Will Keane. Out: Calvin Ramsay, Emil Riis Jakobsen, and, Ched Evans