'Little bit of surgery' - Birmingham City boss Lee Bowyer delivers George Friend and Troy Deeney update

George Friend has suffered a set-back in his bid to return to fitness for Birmingham City.

The 34-year-old has endured a frustrating season having not played since January 30 - the most recent of just 12 Championship appearances.

Having been for a month in November, the defender was working his way back from a calf injury only to report discomfort in his knee.

As a result the has had to have an operation and will not be available until April.

Head coach Lee Bowyer said: “George Friend had to have a little bit of surgery on his knee, from an old injury, he was outdoors doing a bit of stuff, that became uncomfortable for him so he is going to be out another four weeks minimum.”

Bowyer is, though, buoyed by the return of Teden Mengi and Jeremie Bela, while Maxime Colin is set to train for the first time following a thigh injury sustained against Huddersfield.

Competition is more healthy up front too, with Scott Hogan back from his calf problem and Troy Deeney close to returning from his.

Like Friend the club captain is anther long-term absentee having not featured for two months.

Bowyer declined to put time-scale on Deeney’s availability.

“Troy has to get fit,” he said. “I believe he was outside with the fitness people today, now it’s just a case of getting himself fit.

“He is probably going to take a little bit of time I think, he has been out quite a while now with the two injuries back to back but we ain’t got a time-frame on that yet.”