Chris Davies issues Jay Stansfield update - It is big news for Birmingham City | OneFootball

Blues boss Chris Davies has confirmed Jay Stansfield is close to returning from an ankle injury.

Birmingham City boss Chris Davies has confirmed striker Jay Stansfield is “close” to making a return ahead of their return to Championship action at Stoke City.

The former Fulham man missed Blues’ 2-0 defeat to Leicester City with an ankle problem sustained in a League Cup defeat to Port Vale.

Supporters bemoaned his unavailability for the lack of cutting edge they had at the King Power Stadium, as they dropped to 10th in the table following that defeat in the East Midlands.

The striker went for a scan prior to the clash with the Foxes, which then ruled him out of the encounter, and he has been recovering throughout the international break in the attempt to be fit for their trip to Stoke City this weekend.

And now Davies has offered a revealing update about where Stansfield is with his fitness, with the team undoubtedly a lot stronger with his presence.

Chris Davies confirms Jay Stansfield “close” to returning

As reported by Birmingham Live, Birmingham City boss Chris Davies revealed marksman Jay Stansfield is closing in on a return from his ankle injury, and will be monitored over the coming days to see whether he will make their trip to the Bet365 Stadium to clash with Stoke City.

Davies said: “Jay has been in rehab since that knock, and he’s done all of the stuff that he’s needed to do, so he’s getting there step by step.

"He’s close. We will see how he goes in the next few days.”

Meanwhile, Football League World exclusively revealed that winger Demarai Gray had made a full recovery from the shoulder problem sustained at Leicester, and now Davies has confirmed the Jamaican international will be available for the weekend.

Davies added: “Dimmy is fine.

"He had that (knock) on his shoulder, and it looked a really sore one, but he got his treatment and that’s done. He’s recovered fine in the last week or so, so he’s absolutely fine.”

Birmingham City can bounce back at Stoke City with Jay Stansfield

Jay Stansfield is clearly the man who can make things happen in the Birmingham City attack, demonstrated by the three goals he’s already netted so far this term.

And it wasn’t a coincidence to see his teammates struggle in his absence against Leicester City and failing to hit the back of the net, an away trip that was already tough enough on paper with the 22-year-old in the side.

After the international break, Birmingham face tough tests at the Bet365 Stadium to take on Stoke City, who have started the season well, while hosting Swansea City the following week and then making the short trip to Coventry City, which all present challenges for Chris Davies’ men.

While it’s unclear whether he’ll make the Stoke game, he should be raring to go for the rest of the demanding schedule, and if he can continue providing enough ammunition at the top end of the pitch, then Blues will be able to establish themselves towards the top end of the second-tier table.