Birmingham v Barnsley preview

Midfielder ruled out through injury

By Amanda Cornforth   Last updated: 22nd August 2008

birmingham mehdi nafti

Nafti: Injured

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Birmingham will be without influential midfielder Mehdi Nafti for the Championship clash against Barnsley at St Andrews on Saturday.

The Tunisia international suffered a slight hamstring tear in Blues' 2-1 victory over Southampton and is set to be out for up to three weeks.

Kemy Agustien could make his debut after coming through 45 minutes for the reserves in midweek.

The 22-year-old Dutchman has been sidelined since arriving on loan from AZ Alkmaar after undergoing a hernia operation, but he may be given a place on the bench if he can prove his fitness.

Damien Johnson is set to be sidelined for at least another month with his back injury, but Radhi Jaidi and Stephen Kelly are pushing for places in the starting line-up after recovering from respective back and groin injuries.

Barnsley news

Barnsley boss Simon Davey is struggling with a few players ruled out of action.

Marciano van Homoet and Iain Hume are both suspended whilst Left winger Mounir El Haimour is fit again but cover striker Maceo Rigters has a hamstring injury.

Argentine midfielder Hugo Colace is unlikely to be available either as they do not have international clearance for the player yet and it looks unlikely that FIFA will grant him a licence in time for Saturday's game.

Gary Teale, who joined on loan from Derby for a month, is expected to play his second game against Birmingham.