Manchester United loanee suffers 'hiccup' as Birmingham City hit with George Friend set-back

Birmingham City will be without George Friend for the next four weeks - but Gary Gardner is available for the game with Bournemouth on Wednesday.

The veteran defender, one of the few Blues have available to them at present, has suffered a calf strain and is set for a second spell on the sidelines this season.

Speaking ahead of the trip to the Vitality Stadium, Lee Bowyer also revealed Tahith Chong’s arrival at Blues from Manchester United has been delayed.

“Gary is fine, I was concerned and amazed that he came in today and was able to train. That problem with his foot didn’t get any worse,” the head coach said.

Jeremie Bela, who was ill before the Sheffield United game - and Troy Deeney also trained on Monday, although it is thought the striker is still a couple of weeks away from consideration having spent the last month out with a thigh problem.

After three months out Blues were also hoping Chong would make a return today but that hasn’t happened.

Bowyer said: “Tahith had a little hiccup at Man U, but everything is fine he is going to come back on Wednesday.”

Taylor Richards is still working with the club’s medical team.