Championship injury news Birmingham City vs Watford: 4 confirmed, 4 undecided
The latest injury and team news ahead of the Sky Bet Championship clash between Birmingham City and Watford.
Birmingham City will be looking to end their dismal run of form when they welcome manager-less Watford to St Andrews in the Sky Bet Championship on Saturday 16th March.
The Blues are yet to win under interim manager Mark Venus, who replaced Tony Mowbray. Birmingham lost 1-0 to Middlesbrough on Tuesday night, with former loanee Riley McGree scoring the only goal of the game. The result left Birmingham just outside the relegation zone and just one point above safety. Watford had won 10 games but were still only two points behind at half-time. They sacked Valerian Ismael and replaced him with Tom Cleverley as interim leader.
If Birmingham win they could move up to 17th place, but if they lose they could fall into the relegation zone and drop to 23rd place. Watford could move past Sunderland into 12th place with a win, or be overtaken by Swansea City and Millwall if they win. We bring you the latest injury and team news ahead of the match at St Andrews @ Knighthead Park. Dion Sanderson returned after serving a three-game suspension.
He received a red card against Southampton and his appeal was rejected by the English Football League, resulting in another match being added. Birmingham took one point from a potential nine points without Sanderson, but it will be hoped that the club captain can use his leadership qualities to help the Blues get through this difficult period. Dew.
Krystian Bielik will miss the game due to injury. He suffered a torn abdominal muscle and was sidelined until the international break. He, Ivan Snich and Jay Stansfield were all suspended, but now that they’ve played 37 games, they can afford to be suspended. Alfie Chan has been out for an extended period of time after sustaining a knee injury in August. Mark Roberts left the field early Tuesday morning and was replaced by Cody Drumm. He was limping for about 10 minutes and had recently had problems with his calf.
Siriki Dembele missed the defeat against Middlesbrough with a foot injury. It’s unclear how long he will be out of action after needing stitches after a collision with an opponent.
Absent: Alfie Chan and Christian Bielik. Doubtful: Mark Roberts and Siriki Dembele.
Jeremy Ngakia did not play for Watford in Valerian Ismael’s final game as manager. He injured his knee against Millwall and was out for four months.
This was his first game since November, as he was sidelined with an ankle issue and his knee injury caused him to miss most of the season. The 23-year-old right-back has made just 14 appearances this season.
Ken Sema also did not feature in the game against Coventry and the Hornets are awaiting analysis to assess him. He was sent off against Swansea City last Wednesday and, like Ngakia, has been plagued by injuries this season. The 30-year-old has played 29 games this season, but only from September to October and from December to the end of January. Giorgi Chakvetadze of the Georgian national team is doubtful after sustaining an injury in the match against Coventry.
He was hit and bruised on his ankle. Central defender Wesley Foote is out due to suspension. The Watford captain received his 10th yellow card of the season and will be suspended for two games. Starring: Jeremy Ngakia and Wesley Haught. Doubtful: Giorgi Chakvetadze and Ken Sema.
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