This comes after manager John Eustace confirmed that full-back Ethan Laird and forward Tyler Roberts are still a few weeks away from returning from injury.
How far have Laird and Roberts’ Birmingham careers progressed?
Laird and Roberts both signed permanent contracts with the Blues during the summer transfer window.
Laird joined St Andrew’s on a three-year contract that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2026, with the Championship club reportedly paying an initial £750,000 for his services. The 22-year-old has previously spent time on loan in the Football League with MK Dons, Swansea, Bournemouth, and QPR.
Since then, the full-back has appeared in three Championship games for Eustace’s side, though he has missed their last four league games due to a hamstring injury.
Meanwhile, Roberts joined the club from Leeds United for an undisclosed amount, signing a four-year contract that keeps him with the Midlands club until the conclusion of the 2026/27 season.
However, the Wales international has only made one appearance for the club since, in a 1-1 draw away at Swansea on the opening day of the Championship season, and has since been sidelined with a calf ailment.
Now it appears like Birmingham supporters will have to wait a little longer before they can see those two players in action again.
What has Eustace stated recently concerning Laird and Roberts’ injuries?
Birmingham appear to be going through a trying spell as they try to get Laird and Roberts back to full fitness.
Eustace has stated that whenever the couple is on the verge of returning, they are thwarted by a new setback.
When asked about the fitness of Laird and Roberts, the Blues’ manager told Birmingham Live: “Ethan is still a couple of weeks away.” Unfortunately, he suffered a setback last week.
“Tyler is also still a few weeks away.” That’s all I have to say. Something happens every time we believe we’re getting close to them.
“We have to protect them because they have a history of injuries.” We have to take after them, and the most essential thing is not the short term, but the long term, so they don’t break down again when we get them back.”
After going unbeaten in their first five Championship games, Birmingham have now suffered back-to-back defeats to Watford and Preston in their past two games.
As a result, they are now seventh in the second-tier rankings, with 11 points from their first seven league games.
How devastating is this news about Roberts and Laird for Birmingham?
This appears to be a huge setback for Birmingham, who are hoping to get back on track as soon as possible.
Prior to his injury, Laird was superb for Eustace’s side and appeared to be a valuable asset to the club.
Meanwhile, Roberts has demonstrated in the past that he possesses the ability to make a significant effect in games, so the Blues will be disappointed not to have their quality to draw upon.
Indeed, given that both are new to the club, they will have wanted to settle in and establish themselves in the starting lineup as soon as possible, which they are now unable to do, implying that these setbacks will be difficult to accept from a personal standpoint for Laird and Roberts as well.
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