Chris Davies confirms big Birmingham City boost ahead of Middlesbrough | OneFootball

Birmingham City boss Chris Davies has revealed that Kai Wagner's injury isn't as bad as first feared ahead of Blues vs Middlesbrough

Birmingham City boss Chris Davies has provided an injury update on his squad ahead of Monday's Championship clash with Middlesbrough.

Blues head into their encounter with Boro knowing that they must bounce back from Wednesday's 3-0 defeat to Millwall.

Birmingham's loss against the Lions marked their first defeat in the Championship since they were beaten 3-0 by Watford on New Year's Day.

Meanwhile, Middlesbrough will be determined to get the better of Blues, as they must keep pace with fellow title challengers Coventry City, who beat Kim Hellberg's men on 16 February.

Chris Davies provides positive Kai Wagner update ahead of Birmingham City vs Middlesbrough

Birmingham had a bad day at the office when they lost to Millwall, as the three goals they conceded were accompanied by the red card shown to Jhon Solis, who collected two bookings.

Meanwhile, Blues had feared that full-back Kai Wagner had done serious damage to his shoulder when he clashed with the Lions' Ryan Leonard before being replaced by substitute Ethan Laird.

However, speaking to Birmingham Live on Friday, Davies revealed more.

The 29-year-old was one of six additions Blues made to their squad in the winter transfer window, while Patrick Roberts' loan move from Sunderland was turned into a permanent deal.

Wagner has made nine Championship appearances since moving to St Andrew's from Major League Soccer club Philadelphia Union, notching one assist in the process.

The left-back also scored his first goal in English football when Birmingham defeated Cambridge United 3-2 in the third round of the FA Cup.

Birmingham City can do themselves world of good with victory over Middlesbrough

Blues were on a great run of form before they were beaten by Millwall, enjoying an eight-game unbeaten streak in the Championship, which included victories against Norwich City, Leicester City, Oxford United, Sheffield Wednesday, and Coventry.

Birmingham's loss against the Lions left them six points adrift of the play-off places ahead of the weekend's fixtures, and they will likely have more ground to make up by the time they host Middlesbrough on Monday.

A victory over Boro, who still have every chance of sealing automatic promotion, could give Davies' men the confidence they need to beat the likes of Wrexham, Southampton, and Bristol City to a top six spot.

Meanwhile, Hellberg's side could be nervous when they head to St Andrew's as they have not won since their 2-1 triumph at Sheffield United since 9 February, instead enduring a defeat to Coventry and draws with both Oxford United and Leicester in their last three games.

Following their clash with Boro, Birmingham's March fixture list sees them take on Charlton Athletic, Queens Park Rangers, Sheffield United, and Derby County.

The upcoming trips to Charlton and Derby could prove particularly testing for Blues, as the Addicks still need points to keep them away from relegation trouble, whereas the Rams are vying to beat Davies' side in the play-off race.

Birmingham's Championship season has not always been plain sailing since last term's triumphant League One campaign, but a victory over Middlesbrough could set the tone for success.