Krystian Bielik is facing a spell on the sidelines with a torn stomach muscle, Birmingham City interim boss Mark Venus has revealed.
Poland international Bielik’ 4-3 defeat returned to training in the build-up to Bluesto Southampton only to suffer a new injury on the eve of the match. Bielik has been ruled out of Blues’ crunch clashes with Hull City and Millwall next week.
Venus said: “Krystian has got a torn stomach muscle so I don’t know how many weeks he is going to be out but I think it will be weeks, not days.”
Marc Roberts also missed the game with a calf problem, forcing Venus to play Emanuel Aiwu alongside captain Dion Sanderson at centre-back. Sanderson was sent off against Southampton and faces a three-game suspension.
Cody Drameh might have to deputise at centre-back against Hull if Roberts isn’t fit to return. Venus hasn’t ruled the 33-year-old out yet.
“Marc has got a tight calf, I think he might be days rather than weeks,” Venus added. “I think there’s a chance (he can play against Hull). I don’t know the percentage chance, but I think there’s a chance.”
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