'Finally' - Marvin Ducksch reacts to exciting Demarai Gray update at Birmingham City | OneFootball

Blues' experienced winger is set to return to action later this month

Birmingham City forward Marvin Ducksch was one of several players to issue words of excitement as Demarai Gray dropped his latest hint over a pending return to action.

Gray has not been utilised by Chris Davies in one of Blues' matchday squads in the Championship or FA Cup since sustaining a calf injury in the opening minutes of his side's 1-1 draw against Derby County at St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park on Boxing Day, with the likes of Lewis Koumas - who has since been recalled by Liverpool and subsequently joined Hull City on loan - and current Brighton and Hove Albion loanee, Ibrahim Osman, taking up the vacant position in the lineup which was initially left by the experienced winger's aforementioned issue.

Birmingham have since enjoyed a relative upturn in form whilst missing the services of the one-time Premier League winner and their former academy graduate, and they are now firmly back in the conversation when it comes to reaching the play-off places at the end of the campaign.

After drawing with the Rams in what was Gray's last involvement for Blues, Davies' side have only lost one of their following eight matches in all competitions - a 3-0 defeat to Watford at Vicarage Road - whilst also emerging victorious in four of those, including victories over Coventry City, Sheffield Wednesday and Oxford United in the league.

The squad which Gray still remains an influential part of has also changed rather drastically in terms of outlook compared to when he suffered the calf blow against John Eustace's outfit six weeks ago, with Osman and Carlos Vicente becoming two of six high-profile signings made by Blues in the now-closed window, whilst Patrick Roberts also made his loan switch from Sunderland permanent on Deadline Day.

Unfortunately for Gray, the weekend's clash against his former club, Leicester City, appears to have come too soon, as well as next Tuesday's local derby with West Bromwich Albion.

However, the 29-year-old did hint earlier this week that he may be back in action for the FA Cup fourth round tie against Leeds United on Sunday, February 15th, with a plethora of teammates, including Ducksch, subsequently reacting to an overly positive social media post by the 29-cap international.

Marvin Ducksch reacts as Demarai Gray issues exciting Birmingham City update

Both Ducksch and Gray have been amongst the goals and assists for Birmingham this season following their summer moves, with the German striker now on nine goals in all competitions after an impressive streak throughout January.

Gray had also posted five goals and as many assists across 24 appearances in all competitions prior to his injury, and will hope to put up similar - if not better numbers - in what remains of the campaign when back ready for selection.

"I'm trying to get back for the cup game (vs Leeds)," Gray recently stated on the club's 'Blue Rising' show. "It's difficult not being able to play but hopefully I'll come back and pick up good momentum again."

However, there was further room for optimism that such a timescale could be met, with Gray posting a quartet of pictures on his Instagram profile of him back on the training pitches, with two battery emojis showcasing how he feels raring to go.

Amongst those in the replies was Ducksch, who responded with "finally!", whilst Kai Wagner, Tommy Doyle and Marc Leonard also issued messages of encouragement.

Birmingham City will be glad to welcome Demarai Gray back from injury

Gray's experience and quality has already been vital for Blues this season, and that will certainly remain the case once he is back on the pitch.

Davies now has plenty of strength-in-depth across his attacking midfield line, with Osman and Vicente both impressing against Oxford, whilst Jay Stansfield, Ducksch and Roberts are all capable of featuring in the 'number 10' position behind the main striker.

As such, Davies will now have a dilemma on his hands as to who will start when all the aforementioned options are at his disposal, but the Birmingham boss would rather have that to think about instead of a lengthy injury to a key performer.