According to Gary Rowett, Birmingham City is lacking the physicality that injured players Luke Jutkiewicz, Oliver Burke, and Marc Roberts can offer.
In his first three games as manager, Rowett has been without right winger Burke, striker Jutkiewicz, and defender Roberts. There are also concerns about their ability to play in any of the final five games.
They are essentially out of the game on Wednesday against Cardiff City thanks to Rowett. Following Blues’ 2-1 loss to Leicester City, Rowett provided the following update: “Right now, we really miss guys like Marc Roberts, Burkey, and Jukey because they just have that genuine physicality that makes a difference in games. But that’s life.” We might have to wait a few more games without that kind of player.”
Jutkiewicz, the club captain, traveled with the team to the matches against Leicester and QPR. His contract expires in July. The 34-year-old was spotted sprinting across the field on Saturday before kickoff at King Power Stadium with a member of the Blues’ backroom crew. “Jukey just wants to play his role, try to encourage the guys and show his support,” Rowett said in a statement. It’s excellent leadership.”
Before the Blues visit Cardiff at St Andrew’s, here is the most recent team news.
Marc Roberts
Ailment: Achilles
Roberts recently missed time due to his third different calf injury of the year before making a comeback to lead the Blues’ defense against Millwall. He began the match against Middlesbrough, but a recurrence of his chronic injury forced him to hobble off due to pain.
Jutkiewicz Lukas
Ailment: Knee
Jutkiewicz collapsed to the ground in the latter moments of Blues’ loss to Watford. It was necessary to change the veteran striker when he landed awkwardly while competing for an aerial ball. He hopes to kick a ball again this season and has been traveling to games to cheer on his teammates.
Burke Oliver
Damage: Muscle
Burke, a Werder Bremen loanee, was not well-liked by the previous administration, but under Rowett—who he had previously worked under at Millwall—he might have had a chance. Burke’s muscular problems have unfortunately kept him off the field, and Rowett is unsure if he will be able to play this season.
“Burkey is out injured right now, and I don’t think he’ll play that much of the season,” Rowett stated. While it’s occasionally pleasant to run into familiar faces, the players that are available are the ones who will provide the desired outcomes for us.
Alfie Chang
Ailment: Knee
Chang will likely miss the balance of the season after suffering a major ACL injury during a training session in August. In an effort to increase his fitness, the 21-year-old, who has since inked a new three-year contract, has been working out in the gym with the Blues’ physiotherapists and taking up cycling.
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