Watford vs Birmingham City team news: four players ruled out and three doubtful

Birmingham City and Watford will both have to contend with injuries ahead of their Championship clash at Vicarage Road on Saturday.

Blues resume their league campaign following a 14-day interval because of the international break. Several players had represented their countries over the break whilst others nursed injuries, but could they make a return this week?

Here’s the latest team and injury news ahead of Watford vs Birmingham City at Vicarage Road on Saturday, September 16.

Birmingham City team news

Wales forward Tyler Roberts is closing in on a return to action following a spell on the sidelines. Roberts has been out since the start of the season with a calf injury though Saturday could come too soon.

Ethan Laird and Siriki Dembele both came off against the win over Bristol City last month with hamstring injuries, and are still both doubtful. John Eustace said at the end of August that they would be two-three weeks away and so Watford could come too soon, and instead QPR could be a realistic target for both.

George Hall is another player that has been dealing with a hamstring issue and is set to miss out. Hall suffered the injury in the Carabao Cup defeat to Cardiff City. The news of his injury was softened however signed a new contract after deadline day, ending speculation about a possible departure.

Alfie Chang is a guaranteed absentee after suffering a knee injury in training in August. He underwent surgery and was seen on crutches at their match against Millwall.

Jordan James meanwhile was on the receiving end of a rash challenge when representing Wales on Monday. Lativa Janis Ikaunieks went in on James’ knee and the tackle was reviewed by VAR but was not deemed a red card offence. He played the remainder of the match but may be assessed.

Out: Alfie Chang, Laird, Dembele, Hall Doubtful: Roberts

Watford team news

Summer signing Rhys Healey has yet to make his Championship debut for the Hornets. Valérien Ismaël described it as a ‘difficult case’ to manage because of the amount of players at his disposal.

Francisco Sierralta had been dealing with a quad problem before the international break but featured in the 3-3 draw with Coventry City before being substituted. A fortnights rest could allow the Chilean time to sort out his fitness.

One player that is a doubt is Jamal Lewis. He was still rehabilitating from an injury and there was a hope that he would rejoin training during the international break, and feature in a behind-closed-doors friendly.

Full-back James Morris is also a doubt. He didn’t feature in Watford’s squad for their draw with Coventry City having sustained a knock against Stoke City.

Doubt: Jamal Lewis and James Morris.