Birmingham City have been dealt a potential injury setback ahead of their crucial Championship fixture away at Queens Park Rangers this week.
Cochrane injury concern emerges
Left-back Alex Cochrane is a major doubt for the midweek journey to Loftus Road after picking up a problem during the weekend's match. Manager Chris Davies confirmed the defender "felt something" during the 3-1 defeat away to Southampton on Saturday.
Cochrane was forced off after an hour of play at St Mary's Stadium, with Jack Robinson replacing him for the final 30 minutes. Davies remained typically guarded about the specifics of the issue in his post-match comments, stating the medical team would need to assess the player's condition.
Robinson poised for recall
Should Cochrane be ruled out, Jack Robinson is the clear favourite to step into the starting eleven. The defender's appearance off the bench at Southampton marked his first for the Blues since receiving a red card in the costly defeat to Hull City back in October.
This potential change comes as Davies considers his options for the final midweek match before the demanding festive schedule begins in earnest. The manager hinted at possible further alterations, emphasising the need to manage his squad's freshness.
Davies weighs festive squad options
"We will see how they all recover, how they're feeling and what freshness we need," Davies said regarding his selection plans. He acknowledged the difficulty of the upcoming test, adding, "It's another big test, QPR away, but we'll see how they are and make a decision from there."
The injury to Cochrane forces a defensive rethink for a team looking to build consistency. Robinson's reintroduction offers a chance for redemption after his previous suspension, as Birmingham City aim to secure a positive result on the road.
