Birmingham City centre-back Marc Roberts is set to be missing for a few weeks after pulling his calf against Blackburn Rovers last weekend.

Manager Garry Monk broke the news at his pre-match press conference on Thursday and it comes just weeks after the defender had returned from a previous setback.

"It was really unfortunate, we all felt for Robbo," Monk said.

"He’s trained hard and worked hard to get his chance.

"He's pulled his calf - so he will be a few weeks out with that, but he’ll bounce back and do his rehab right and be back when he is ready."

Youngster Wes Harding replaced Roberts nine minutes into the clash at Ewood Park and is likely to be trusted to start the Blues' next match with Michael Morrison only recently returning from his own centre-back.

Monk's side travel to Wigan Athletic this weekend, who have lost just twice at home all season, as they look to close the gap on the top-six.

Birmingham currently sit in 11th place and five points behind Middlesbrough, who currently occupy the final play-off spot going into the weekend's action.

The verdict 

This is rather gutting for Roberts and for the fans who have stuck by him during his previous setbacks.

But if there is one thing that Garry Monk is capable of it is inspiring confidence in his youngsters so expect to see Harding put in an impressive shift at the DW on Saturday.

Roberts will come back stronger but for now trust will have to be put in the 22-year-old.