Gary Gardner has sent a message of support to Birmingham City teammate Maikel Kieftenbeld after the Dutchman was dealt a significant injury blow on Monday evening. 

The 28-year-old is set to miss up to nine months of action after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Leeds United on Saturday, but Gardner was quick to offer his midfield partner support.

Writing on his Instagram story, alongside a photograph of the pair, the 26-year-old simply wrote: "Stay strong mate."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After a clash with Kalvin Phillips in the middle of the pitch on the hour mark, Kieftenbeld required lengthy treatment before eventually being stretchered off.

The Dutchman’s deal with the club was set to expire in the summer of 2020, but they have now confirmed that they will be taking up the option of an extension following this latest set-back.

He has played 163 times for the Blues since signing from Dutch side Groningen back in July 2015, becoming a key member of Garry Monk’s squad.

The verdict 

This is a sizeable blow for Birmingham.

I think they will have more than enough to survive this season but considering the news means Kieftenbeld will miss a large chunk of the next as well, it gives Monk a real headache ahead of the summer transfer window.

Either way, with such a strong crop of teammates around him, it is hard to see him not coming back to full strength at some point.