Speaking to the Birmingham Mail, Steve Cotterill has quashed speculation that Carl Jenkinson is edging closer to a return for Birmingham City, confirming he is unable to put a timescale on the defender’s return.
Jenkinson is out of action with a shoulder injury, having dislocated it in the clash with Reading back in August.
At the time, Harry Redknapp, Cotterill’s predecessor, indicated that the on-loan Arsenal defender could return to action within a couple of months, but Birmingham’s new boss has admitted that is not the case.
Jenkinson’s injury was picked up just 32 minutes into his debut for Birmingham, and Cotterill confirmed it was unlikely that the 25-year-old would be appearing in a matchday squad in the near future, as it was an injury the Blues couldn’t put a timescale on.
Cotterill said: “That shoulder is not a short-term one.
"I don't think there is any time on that. Normally when you pop a shoulder it's quite serious for a long time.
"He is definitely not on the radar - I can safely say he is not going to turn up on the team sheet don't worry about that."
Cotterill is preparing for his first game as Birmingham’s manager since his appointment as Redknapp’s successor, with the Blues facing Cardiff City at St Andrew’s on Friday evening.
Birmingham enter Friday’s contest with just eight points to their name, whilst Neil Warnock’s Bluebirds are sitting top of the Championship table.
Cotterill has confirmed that he will have Jason Lowe, Che Adams and Jota all available this week.
The Verdict
This isn’t good news for Birmingham and Cotterill, who are facing another testing month of Championship action after a difficult start to the season.
Luckily for Cotterill he has a number of players capable of covering for Jenkinson, although it is frustrating that he does not have a fully fit Birmingham squad at his disposal.
Whilst Cotterill could not provide a positive update on Jenkinson, Birmingham’s supporters will be encouraged by the return of Lowe, Adams and Jota.
Birmingham fans… Let us know your thoughts!