Birmingham City's poor run of form continued, as they were forced to settler for a point against QPR at the weekend. 

The Blues are now sat 17th in the Championship table, and are without a win since the opening day of the season against Brentford at St Andrew's.

One player that has caught the eye with some strong performances this term for Aitor Karanka's side is winger Jeremie Bela, who already has two goals to his name.

But Bela hasn't featured for Birmingham in their last two matches, with the midfielder struggling to get back to full fitness after being on international duty with Angola.

Bela was an unused substitute against QPR at the weekend, which will have had supporters questioning why he wasn't involved, as they went in search of a winner on the day.

Speaking in a recent interview, Karanka issued an important update on Bela's fitness, and it is now claimed that the winger is raring to get going again, which will be pleasing to hear for the St Andrew's faithful.

"He came from international break not as good as we were expecting because of all the journeys and when you are away with your international team if they don’t play games the way of training is not the way it should be.

"Jeremie has started really well and for sure he will be an important player for us."

Bela and his Birmingham City team-mates are set to return to action on Wednesday, when they host Huddersfield Town, in what is likely to be a tricky test for the Blues.

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The Verdict: 

He'll be eager to get back to his best at the earliest of opportunities.

Bela has shown his quality already this season, but the club were clearly taking no risks with his fitness, with the winger being on international duty with Angola recently.

I really wouldn't be surprised to see him involved in the starting XI for Birmingham in midweek, when they take on a Huddersfield Town team that like to dominate possession.

Bela's pace could cause the Terriers problems though, so he'll be itching to get back into the squad.