Birmingham City face a significant injury challenge as they prepare for their Championship clash with Norwich City at Carrow Road. The Blues will be without five first-team players for the trip to Norfolk, testing the squad's depth early in the season.
Philippe Clement, the Norwich City manager, previewed the match, with the original report from Edp24 bringing the key lines from his press conference. Birmingham City head into the fixture sitting 10th in the Championship table with 7 points from their opening five games. Their record of one win and four draws leaves them four points behind early leaders Swansea City. The team's recent form reads DDWDD, having scored 7 goals and conceded 6 for a +1 goal difference.
Who is unavailable for Birmingham City?
The list of absentees is a major talking point. Jhon Solis, Max Bird, Taylor Gardner-Hickman, and Demarai Gray are all sidelined due to injury or treatment. Midfielder Marc Leonard, who is currently sidelined, is also unavailable. There is some positive news on the fitness front, however. Paris Maghoma has returned to the matchday squad following a minor calf issue, providing a welcome boost in midfield.
Further down the line, several players are progressing. Young striker Jovon Makama is nearing a return to team training after foot injuries. Gabe Forsyth has made a significant step by returning to competitive action with the Under-21s after an 18-month absence. Mirko Topic has resumed running on grass after being out since November, though a return date is not yet clear. Long-term absentees Lucien Mahovo and Ali Ahmed remain out, with Mahovo unavailable until late autumn and Ahmed expected to miss the majority of the season.
What is Birmingham City's recent form?
Birmingham City's start to the campaign has been defined by resilience but also a struggle to turn draws into wins. They are unbeaten in their opening five league outings, but four of those matches have ended level. Their most recent outing was a 2-2 draw with Wolves. Their only Championship victory so far this season came away at Wrexham. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming matches on the club's standings and fixtures pages.
What is the history against Norwich City?
The Blues will draw confidence from their recent record against Norwich. They managed to beat the Canaries twice during the last league campaign. However, history at Carrow Road tells a different story. Birmingham City's last victory at Norwich's home ground was way back in 2002, a statistic they will be desperate to change. The upcoming match pits 10th-placed Birmingham against a Norwich side sitting 12th in the table.
What does the squad selection reveal?
Managerial decisions are also in focus ahead of the game. Oscar Schwartau was omitted from the 20-man squad as a tactical decision, indicating the manager's preference for other options in specific areas. This match represents another test for a squad already missing several key figures. Supporters can check the latest availability updates on the official injuries page. Birmingham City's next fixture is away to Norwich City on September 9, 2026.
