Lee Buchanan Returns to Birmingham City Training After 14-Month Injury Absence
Birmingham City defender Lee Buchanan has taken a significant step in his recovery by rejoining his teammates for full team training, nearly 14 months after suffering a serious knee injury. The left-back has been sidelined since December 2024 due to a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, which prevented him from playing any matches throughout the entire 2025 season.
Manager Chris Davies Outlines Cautious Return Plan
Blues manager Chris Davies has provided an update on Buchanan's status, emphasizing a careful and measured approach to his comeback. "It's early steps. With Lee, it's about trying to string it together for a consistent period of time," Davies stated. "He's got to try and get a good few weeks under his belt and we've got to be really cautious with him."
Davies highlighted the unfortunate nature of Buchanan's setback, noting, "It was so unfortunate the way he picked up his second injury but he's now training in the group. We have to give ourselves and him a lot of space to progress steadily." The manager has already indicated that Buchanan would require minutes with the under-21 team before being considered for first-team selection, due to the extended duration of his absence.
Buchanan Named in EFL Squad Amid Left-Back Shortage
Despite his lengthy layoff, Buchanan has been included in Birmingham City's EFL squad list for their final 14 games of the season. This decision comes as the team faces challenges in the left-back position. Alex Cochrane has been ruled out until at least April with an ankle injury, leaving new signing Kai Wagner as the club's only fully match-fit left-back option.
In January, Davies opted against loaning Buchanan out, citing the team's defensive needs. While there are no immediate plans to rush Buchanan back into action, with other players available to deputize for Wagner, he could potentially serve as an emergency option before the season concludes if his recovery progresses smoothly.
The focus remains on ensuring Buchanan's rehabilitation is handled with patience, prioritizing his long-term fitness over a hasty return to competitive play.
