West Brom vs Birmingham City injury and suspension latest as six could miss out
West Bromwich Albion are back in action against Birmingham City on Saturday, but both sides have injury issues to contend with.
The extended international break is finally ending and the Baggies are back.
Championship action is back with a bang as a West Midlands rivalry lies in wait.
Blues are set to make the short trip to The Hawthorns for just the third time in four years.
Both sides come into the clash on a mixed run, something which will certainly make for an interesting encounter.
Injuries are both set to play a role as we assess any problems for both West Brom and Birmingham.
What injury issues are West Brom facing?
The Black Country outfit will be keen to get straight back to winning ways.
A 1-0 defeat to Wolves last time around certainly stung as Nat Phillips' mistake was pounced upon.
That brought a four-match unbeaten run to an end, so getting back on the right track will be massively important.
James Morrison will be doing his utmost to make sure of that, but will have to do so without two first-team names.
Nolan Galves is one of those after suffering what West Brom have described as "a significant knee injury".
That will rule him out for the rest of the campaign, something which Mikey Johnston knows all about.
The Republic of Ireland international is also set to be absent against Blues as he continues to struggle with a recurring ankle issue.
That will serve as a blow for the Baggies, but nothing they can't deal with.
Birmingham City without four for Hawthorns visit
It is two long-term issues that have hit the Albion, but the same can't be said about Chris Davies' side.
The St Andrews club could be without two in B71, but Paik Seung-ho is the bigger certainty.
He was forced home from South Korea duty and is now set to miss "a few games".
Meanwhile, some uncertainty surrounds Demarai Gray, Taylor Gardner-Hickman and Max Bird.
The trio are back in contention having trained, but Davies has confirmed that starting a match "would probably be a step too far".
They could all play a part at The Hawthorns, but it all hinges on a final call from the Blues boss.