Football League World
·23 October 2024
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·23 October 2024
The pair both look to be set for spells on the sidelines after picking up knocks
Birmingham City boss Chris Davies has been dealt a double injury blow, with the news that Scott Wright and Emil Hansson both face time on the sidelines.
Wright hasn’t featured since the return from the international break, having missed Saturday’s 3-1 victory over Lincoln City, as well as Tuesday night’s 2-0 win against Bolton Wanderers.
Hansson limped off after just 20 minutes in the success over the Trotters, having departed the field after less than an hour at Sincil Bank at the weekend, and now faces some time on the sidelines after injuring his leg.
The pair both look to be out until the next International break in November, leaving Davies having to shuffle the pack for the trip to Mansfield Town on Saturday.
After initially playing down the severity of Wright’s when quizzed earlier in the week, Davies has confirmed that the former Rangers man could be out for the foreseeable future.
The forward’s loss will come as a setback to City, with the 27-year-old already netting three times in his seven matches for the club, including a brace against Shrewsbury Town in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy in his last appearances for the club.
The striker also netted a late winner on his debut after crossing the Scottish border, with his injury-time winner against Wigan Athletic immediately endearing himself to his new fanbase.
But any further performances will have to be put on the back burner for now, with Davies confirming the injury will rule him out for some time.
“Scott Wright isn’t close,” Davies told Birmingham Live. “He’s picked something up and it looks like he might be a few weeks.”
It may have come as something of a surprise to City fans to see Hansson in the starting lineup on Tuesday, having seen the Swede come off ten minutes into the second half against Lincoln.
The faith his manager put in him wasn’t rewarded though, with the 26-year-old lasting just 20 minutes before having to be withdrawn, with Davies giving the following update.
He told Birmingham Live after the Bolton victory: “I think it was a slightly different one. He felt something in his leg so we’ll have to see how he is.
“He’s made a massive contribution this season and has played a lot of football, he’s a really reliable player, but he just had a niggle and I’m not sure what we’re looking at.”
Having played in each and every League One game this season, the loss of Hansson will be felt by the Blues in the coming weeks, although they have the likes of Keshi Anderson and Ayumu Yokoyama to fill the void on the flanks.
Meanwhile, the return of Jay Stansfield will have been warmly welcomes by Bluenoses on Tuesday night, with the forward returning to action after his own injury setback.
The former Exeter City man got on the scoresheet after converting a late spot kick to secure the win, with Davies continuing to juggle the fitness of his key players as the season progresses.