Marc Roberts is a doubt for Birmingham City’s clash with Watford on Tuesday evening.
The centre back came off the pitch after 52 minutes of Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Cardiff City, to be replaced by the bright Josh Williams. Up until that moment the 32-year-old had played every minute of Blues ’ season, including the full Carabao Cup game at Norwich City in midweek.
However, he could well miss the visit from the in-form Hornets who have won two and drawn one of their first three matches back in the Championship. If Roberts doesn’t make it head coach John Eustace, who will be going against his former club, could call George Friend into the starting line-up for the first time this term, or use rookie Williams at wing back and move Maxime Colin into the back three.
Blues also have a concern over Jordan Graham – another option at right wing back – with the former Wolves man having missed the trip to south Wales. Gary Gardner and Krystian Bielik are "not too far away" from featuring for the first time this season although it is not yet known whether either will be available for Tuesday night. What is clear is that Ryan Woods won’t be involved as he looks set to join Hull City.
“Jordan took a real bad knock on his knee on Tues at Norwich, we are assessing that, hopefully he won’t be out for too long,” Eustace said. “Big Robbo coming off we are down to the bare bones, those two [Gardner and Bielik] coming back will really help the group, good experience to help the younger boys, they really do get us through tough moments."
Blues go into the game with four points from one win, one loss and a draw against Luton on opening day. Troy Deeney, yet to open his account this term, will also be hoping to make an impact against his
Marc Roberts
Gary Gardner
Troy Deeney
Krystian Bielik
Josh Williams
John Eustace