Gary Rowett anticipates that when Coventry visits St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park on Saturday, Birmingham City will still be without its injured trio of Marc Roberts, Oliver Burke, and Lukas Jutkiewicz.
During Rowett’s first four games in command, defender Roberts, right winger Burke, and striker Jutkiewicz have not been available. The absence of veteran striker Jutkiewicz has been felt greatly by the Blues, who have struggled to attack with punch and aggression.
Jutkiewicz, the club captain, has traveled with the team to the matches against Leicester and QPR. The 34-year-old was spotted sprinting across the field on Saturday before kickoff at King Power Stadium with a member of the Blues’ backroom crew.
Following Wednesday night’s loss to Cardiff, Rowett provided the most recent update on his injuries. “I think we’ll still be missing Jutkiewicz, maybe Burke and Roberts,” he stated. These are the three players that, in my opinion, are not now available.”
Although Rowett has started the same lineup for the last three games, he may alter it after the Cardiff match. The Blues are presently occupying 23rd position in the Championship and face relegation if they are unable to secure some victories in their remaining four games.
“Of course at this stage of the season when you perform like that, there’s going to be an opportunity potentially to make quite a few changes,” the Blues’ acting manager continued.
We have made an effort to stick with the same squad, one that I believed could win football games. We didn’t execute to that degree, so after attempting to achieve that continuity and consistency, I believe it would be time to consider if people are given opportunities.”
