Birmingham City defender Lee Buchanan has confirmed he is on track to make his long-awaited return from injury in the New Year, providing a significant boost to the club's defensive options.
Road to Recovery
The left-back has been sidelined for more than 10 months after suffering a serious knee injury during the final match of 2024 against Blackpool. Buchanan has now entered the final stages of his rehabilitation programme.
Speaking on the Blue Rising podcast, the 23-year-old revealed: "I'm 10 months in now so it's been quite a while since I had my surgery and the injury happened but I've been back outside on the grass. I was outside for about six weeks then had a little niggle in my calf so I should be back out a week on Monday. When I'm outside and in the gym I feel good."
This isn't the first time Buchanan has faced injury challenges, having struggled with a calf problem at the beginning of last season before making a successful comeback in December 2023, where he scored his first goal for Blues in a 2-0 victory over Bristol Rovers.
Rehabilitation Progress
Buchanan isn't alone in his recovery journey, with teammate Scott Wright also working his way back from an anterior cruciate ligament injury and believed to be slightly ahead in his rehabilitation timeline.
The pair have been working closely with physiotherapist Keiren Stimpson at Birmingham's training base in Henley-in-Arden, with Buchanan expressing particular gratitude for the support he's received.
"I'm sure they get sick of me sometimes moaning about little niggles I've got and little issues with my knee but they have been really good," Buchanan admitted. "Keiren who is mine and Scott's physio has been really good with us. He understands that sometimes you're not going to be in the best mood and he did Alfie Chang's physio previously so he knows what he's doing and has been really good."
Regarding his specific return date, Buchanan confirmed: "I'm on target for a return in January, all going well. There's still a few bits in the gym, scores and things that I need to improve and hit but that will slowly come with time outside and getting back strong and fit."
Looking Ahead
Before his injury, an intriguing battle for the left-back position was developing between Buchanan and Alex Cochrane, a competition that will likely resume once the former returns to full fitness.
Buchanan also shared his excitement about reuniting with former Werder Bremen teammate Marvin Ducksch, who has recently overcome his own injury concerns to deliver impressive performances.
"I was saying to the lads, obviously he's had a few issues with his calf, but when he does play he will make a big difference," Buchanan commented. "He's such an intelligent player and technically very good. We've seen some good bits but I think there's a lot more to come."
Ducksch has indeed shown his quality in recent weeks, putting in eye-catching displays during Birmingham's comprehensive 4-0 victories over both Portsmouth and Millwall, signalling his growing importance to the team.
