Birmingham have struggled with plenty of injuries throughout their squad so far this season and so many are understandably desperate to see a return to the team for Tahith Chong.

That return could be quite a while off though yet, with the Man United star still in recovery mode after suffering an injury last year. He featured 13 times for the Blues and managed two assists along the way before he suffered a setback that has ruled him out for months.

It was unclear whether he would play for Birmingham again but the side are hopeful that he will be able to feature for them again at some point. However, speaking to Birmingham Live, Lee Bowyer has revealed that the youngster is still 'rusty' and that he is not up to the same standard currently that he was before he was sidelined.

 

 

Speaking about Chong, he described him as: "Rusty, which he should be, he’s been out for a long time.

"It was just good to see him run around again, get on the ball, a great pass for the first goal. But his all-round game is not the Tahith that we know, in possession – out of possession. That’s expected because he has been out for four months."

The positive news though is that his return might not be too far away - and that he could soon find himself back in the first-team picture.

Another player that many are keeping their eye on too is Andre Wisdom. With the Blues having arguably one of the worst injury records for a backline in the league right now, the club are crying out for some reinforcements in defence.

It's led to Andre Wisdom being brought in to complete some training with Birmingham and whilst he hasn't been officially signed yet, the former Derby man could certainly provide a decent extra option at the back. The only factor holding the player back though is that he too isn't up to match fitness, having been out of the game for several months.

Speaking to Birmingham Live about the situation here, Bowyer also said: "Andre, again, rusty. He looks like he has been out for a long time.

"It’s going to take us a fair while for us to get him up to match fitness I think."

It means that if they do decide to sign him to a more permanent agreement, he might not feature for some time yet either.

The Verdict

I think Birmingham could really benefit from having both players in their squad, which is a shame because it doesn't look like either will be featuring too soon for the Blues again.

Chong is really exciting and electric in the Championship and back at the beginning of the campaign, he looked really lively in attack for the St Andrew's side. To see him ruled out with injury was a huge blow at the time and whilst it is certainly a boost to see him back in reserve team action, there isn't much time left for him to work his way back into first-team contention.

The Blues also desperately need more at the back and with the side not able to add anyone who isn't a free agent defender right now, they have limited options. Wisdom would be a great addition - but he isn't match fit and there isn't much point adding a player who can't feature.

If they can get both up to speed soon, then it would be great news for the Blues. The issue is that they might need more time to get ready and the season is getting closer and closer to completion.