Birmingham City are winless in six matches and their squad is creaking under the strain of injuries, suspension and international call-ups
Alex Cochrane of Birmingham City
Birmingham City are optimistic Alex Cochrane will be back to face Watford at Vicarage Road on New Year’s Day.
The left back has missed the last three matches with an ankle injury, forcing centre back Eiran Cashin into a makeshift role against Derby County in Monday night’s 1-1 draw with Southampton.
The Brighton loan player has done well but Cochrane has been one of Blues’ more consistent players since he joined the club in 2024 and would offer more going forward against an in-form Hornets team.
However, winger Demarai Gray has been ruled out by assistant coach Ben Petty.
“Alex is improving day by day,” Petty said. “It’s taken a little bit longer to settle than we would have hoped, his ankle, but, we’re hopeful that he can be involved on Thursday if we can get him training tomorrow and Wednesday and he comes through it unscathed.
“I think Demarai will miss the game on Thursday. He’s picked up a calf injury, so we have to handle him with care. I know he’ll probably miss the next two games for sure.”
Christoph Klarer will serve the second game of a three-match ban after being sent off on Boxing Day, while Tommy Doyle completes his three-game suspension and while he won’t be available for Watford, he will be back for Coventry City on Sunday.
Bright Osayi-Samuel will be away at the Africa Cup of Nations for at least another week after Nigeria reached the knockout stages.
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