Johnson set to return

Midfielder due to play in a mask against Gunners

Last updated: 10th January 2008

Damien Johnson Birmingham City

Johnson: Protective mask

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Birmingham captain Damien Johnson is set to don a protective face mask so he can return to action against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

The midfielder needs the mask after suffering a minor fracture of his skull in the Fulham game on 29th December.

It was initially thought he had sustained a jaw injury but later scans revealed the more serious problem, leading to Johnson missing the subsequent matches against Manchester United and Huddersfield.

But he is now available again for the Arsenal clash, with his inclusion especially welcome as the Blues have lost Medhi Nafti to African Cup of Nations duty with Tunisia.

Whole-hearted

Blues first-team coach Roy Aitken said: "We know what Damien Johnson brings to the team, that whole-hearted Birmingham spirit, and the fans respond to that as well.

"He has been here a long time, he knows the club inside out, he is the club captain so he has got a lot of respect in the dressing room.

"It will be nice to have him back as soon as possible."

It is well documented that Blues boss Alex McLeish wants to bring in new faces to help Birmingham avoid the Premier League drop.

Sky Sports understand the Blues have had a bid turned down for Everton striker James McFadden, while it is also believed McLeish covets Manchester City forward Georgios Samaras and Hibernian left-back David Murphy.

Ongoing

Aitken said: "It is an ongoing process. Daily there are discussions as regards bringing players in. The manager would like to strengthen the squad.

"It would be great for the players here to help them through the remainder of the season because it is going to be a tough four or five months ahead.

"I think the manager would like to strengthen most departments, whether it be defence, midfield or attack. It is an ongoing process over the course of this month.

"The manager has been given the backing by the board so there will be money available if and when he decides to use that money."