Blues still sweat over duo

Kapo and McFadden may not be fit for Everton game

Last updated: 7th April 2008

james mcfadden birmingham

McFadden: Still a concern

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Alex McLeish is uncertain whether James McFadden and Olivier Kapo will be fit for Birmingham City's next game against Everton.

McFadden has missed Birmingham's last three matches with a knee injury, while Kapo has been out since the end of February with a hamstring problem.

Blues boss McLeish had previously been hopeful that the attacking duo would be fit for next weekend's home clash with Everton.

But McLeish is facing a nervous week as he waits to discover whether the players will shake off their problems in time to play.

Waiting game

"Is McFadden on course for the Everton game? I don't like to say that anyone is on course for a game. I'd rather just let them heal and wait and see," said McLeish.

"James is supposed to be on course for the Everton game but he is still doing some rehabilitation on his knee and there is still a bit of tenderness there.

"I am not going to start saying 'he will be ready.' It would be great to get him back because he will definitely make us stronger. But I can't force the issue and cause problems for the long term.

"We are hopeful Kapo comes back ready to train today (Monday). He has had some irritation in his hamstring and his return to training has been delayed for a week.

"We thought he might have made the Wigan game on Saturday and it never happened. That is why I am loathe to say James will be ready for the Everton game."

A 2-0 defeat at relegation rivals Wigan at the weekend ensured that the Blues are still striving to secure their top-flight status.

And, even though Kapo and McFadden are concerns for next weekend, McLeish can take heart from the return of defensive duo Liam Ridgewell and Franck Queudrue.

McLeish added: "We'll get Queudrue available again and Ridgewell's available after suspension."