The 9 players set to miss Millwall v Birmingham City | OneFootball

FLW looks at those who will be unavailable for Wednesday's clash at The Den

There are now just 13 matches of the Championship season remaining for most sides in the division, and this week represents its latest three-game week.

With there still plenty to play for for many clubs at either end of the second tier table, the current block of fixtures between now and the final international break of the campaign could either make or break their short-term goals.

Millwall and Birmingham City are among the cluster of sides hoping to reach the Premier League at the end of the season, albeit it is currently looking likely that if either of the South London or West Midlands clubs are to achieve such a feat, it will have to be done through the route of the post-season play-offs.

The Lions saw their prospects of chasing down Middlesbrough in the automatic promotion places take a major hit on Saturday afternoon as they were defeated 3-1 by relegation-threatened Portsmouth at The Den, whilst Blues stretched their current unbeaten run in the Championship to eight matches with a statement 2-0 victory against Norwich City at Carrow Road as they moved up to seventh on 49 points.

As such, it is a crucial game for both sides, whilst Alex Neil's men will be out for revenge after suffering a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Chris Davies' side in the reverse fixture on November 4th.

However, whilst the two managers have plenty of key men at their disposal, Football League World has looked at the combined tally of nine players from both sides who are set to miss out on this fixture.

Millwall

Lukas Jensen

The first of six absentees for Millwall is Danish goalkeeper, Lukas Jensen.

Jensen has been out of competitive action since tearing his achilles 10 months ago, and just when it seemed as though the 26-year-old was on the road to recovery, a quad injury sustained when featuring for the Under-21s against Swansea City in December has, once again, ruled him out for a prolonged period of time.

Joe Bryan

Joe Bryan has made 16 appearances for the Lions this season, but has not featured in Neil's matchday squad since the 5-1 FA Cup defeat to Burnley on January 10th.

It has been widely claimed that the reason behind the experienced left-back's absence is a toe injury, and it remains to be seen when he will return to fitness.

Dan Kelly

Dan Kelly has been sidelined since a run of three-straight starts for Millwall in November and early December, as the Scottish youth international recovers from a hamstring issue.

Last month, Neil revealed that the 20-year-old may not feature for the remainder of 2026, never mind the final weeks of the current campaign, which would be a crushing blow for both parties.

Massimo Luongo

Meanwhile, Massimo Luongo's season was ended back in October after the experienced Australian midfielder sustained a serious ACL injury against Queens Park Rangers.

After making just 11 appearances for the Lions after joining on a free transfer in the summer, the 33-year-old is still on the road to a full recovery.

Will Smallbone

Like the aforementioned Kelly, Will Smallbone has been sidelined with a hamstring issue since October 21st in the 2-0 success over Stoke City.

However, there is hope that the Southampton loanee will be back available sooner rather than later, with Neil revealing last month: “Will will be back potentially end of February, start of March."

Benicio Baker

Benicio Baker is yet to make a senior appearance for Millwall after signing from Brighton and Hove Albion 12 months ago.

The 22-year-old was diagnosed with a pubic symphasis injury last year, and after making one appearance in the Premier League Cup for the Under-21s in September, hasn't featured since with a groin issue.

Birmingham City

Alex Cochrane

The first of three expected absentees for Blues is left-back, Alex Cochrane.

Having sustained an ankle issue in the opening days of 2026, the former Brighton man is expected to be sidelined until at least April, with January signing, Kai Wagner, currently occupying his previous spot in the starting lineup.

Lee Buchanan

Lee Buchanan hasn't played a competitive game for 14 months after suffering an ACL issue against Blackpool in December 2024.

The former Werder Bremen man seemed likely to be sent out on loan in order to regain match fitness and sharpness, but Davies recently revealed his plans when it comes to monitoring the defender.

“It’s early steps. With Lee, it’s about trying to string it together for a consistent period of time," said the Blues boss.

Paik Seung-ho

The final expected absentee for Birmingham is South Korean midfielder, Paik Seung-ho.

Paik suffered a second shoulder injury of the campaign in the early stages of Blues' goalless draw with West Bromwich Albion on February 10th, and has missed the previous two encounters.

However, Davies explained before the victory at Carrow Road that the midfielder had consulted a specialist, and that he could be back involved in training, or for selection, at some point next month.