Birmingham City get positive injury news ahead of their Championship opener against Sheffield United.

Birmingham City have received encouraging news on the injury front ahead of their opening Championship fixture against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on Saturday.

Blues head coach Chris Davies has provided an update on several members of his squad, with Alex Cochrane expected to be available for selection after recovering from the back problem he suffered during last weekend’s cup victory over Swansea City.

The availability of the experienced defender will come as a welcome boost for Birmingham as they prepare for what promises to be a demanding opening fixture in the second tier.

Alex Cochrane expected to return

Alex Cochrane of Birmingham City(Image: Kieran McManus/Shutterstock)

Cochrane picked up his injury during the first half of Birmingham’s win at Swansea after colliding with Christoph Klarer.

The left-back was unable to continue after the interval and was replaced for the second half by Lee Buchanan. It was a significant moment for Buchanan, who was making his first competitive appearance since December 2024.

Despite Buchanan stepping in successfully, Davies has indicated that Cochrane has recovered sufficiently to be considered for Saturday’s game.

The Birmingham manager revealed that the defender had taken a heavy blow but has responded positively since the incident.

“Dimmy’s had a good week on the back of that,” Davies explained. “Paik came through it well and they’ve all recovered pretty well. Cochrane took a heavy knock but he’s recovered from that so we’re in good shape.”

That update should provide Blues supporters with plenty of encouragement ahead of the trip to Sheffield.

Cochrane’s ability to return would give Davies another established option at left-back and could allow the manager to restore him to the starting XI at Bramall Lane.

Buchanan provides useful cover

Although Cochrane is now expected to be fit, Birmingham can take confidence from the fact that Buchanan was able to step into the role during the Swansea victory.

The defender’s appearance was particularly noteworthy because it marked his first competitive football since December 2024.

After such a lengthy period away from competitive action, being called upon unexpectedly in the second half represented a useful test for Buchanan.

His involvement also gives Davies greater depth in an important defensive position, particularly with the demands of a Championship campaign about to begin.

Nevertheless, having Cochrane available would be a significant positive for Birmingham, especially for an opening-day fixture against one of the division’s strongest sides.

Paik and Gray available after Swansea

Birmingham have also received positive updates on Paik Seung-ho and Demarai Gray.

Both players featured during the victory over Swansea and have come through the match without suffering any significant problems.

Davies confirmed that the pair have recovered well and should be available for selection when Birmingham travel to Bramall Lane.

Gray, in particular, will be hoping to build on his minutes in Wales as he continues to establish himself within Davies’ plans.

Paik has similarly benefited from getting game time under his belt, and his successful return provides another boost to Birmingham’s midfield options.

With the Championship season now beginning, Davies will be eager to have as many senior players as possible available from the outset.

The positive recovery of both players therefore represents another encouraging development for the Blues.

Kanya Fujimoto nearing return

There was one notable absentee from Birmingham’s squad against Swansea, with Kanya Fujimoto missing the match despite featuring throughout the club’s pre-season programme.

The Japanese midfielder was ruled out with what Davies described as a knock.

However, the injury does not appear to be serious, and Birmingham have not been left facing a lengthy absence.

Davies explained that Fujimoto has been working on his fitness during the week and is now approaching a return to action.

“Kanya is close,” the Birmingham boss said. “He’s not got a long-term injury, it’s something he’s been trying to build up through this week. He’s close to being available for this game.”

That leaves the midfielder with a chance of potentially returning to the squad for the opening Championship fixture.

While his final availability will depend on how he responds in the days leading up to the game, the latest update suggests that Birmingham will not be without him for an extended period.

Ducksch continues fitness programme

Marvin Ducksch remains another player working towards full fitness.

The German striker missed Birmingham’s entire pre-season programme because of an injury and is therefore still in the process of rebuilding his match sharpness.

His situation is different from those recovering from minor knocks because he needs to gradually increase his workload after missing such a significant period.

Davies will therefore be expected to manage Ducksch carefully rather than rushing him back into competitive action.

The striker’s return could eventually provide Birmingham with another important attacking option, but the club will need to ensure that he is physically ready before throwing him into the intensity of Championship football.

Leonard and Gardner-Hickman remain unavailable

While the overall injury picture contains plenty of positive news, Birmingham still have a couple of longer-term absentees.

Marc Leonard and Taylor Gardner-Hickman are both expected to remain unavailable for the foreseeable future.

Their continued absence will reduce Davies’ options in the early stages of the campaign, although the manager will be encouraged by the progress made by several of his other players.

The return of Cochrane, along with the availability of Paik and Gray, should help soften the impact of those absences.

Birmingham head into opener in encouraging shape

Overall, Birmingham’s latest injury update is considerably more positive than it might have appeared immediately after the Swansea match.

Cochrane has recovered from the heavy knock that forced him off, while Paik and Gray have both responded well after getting minutes under their belts.

Fujimoto is also nearing a return, and Ducksch continues to work towards regaining his fitness.

With only Leonard and Gardner-Hickman facing longer-term spells on the sidelines, Davies can approach the Sheffield United clash with a relatively healthy squad.

The Championship opener will provide a far greater test than the cup victory at Swansea, but Birmingham now appear to have plenty of reasons for optimism.

If Cochrane is passed fit, Davies could restore him to the starting line-up, while Buchanan’s return to competitive football gives the manager additional depth.

With the new season finally beginning, Blues supporters will be hoping the positive injury news can translate into a strong performance and result at Bramall Lane.