Martin Jiranek is doubtful for Birmingham's home game against Bolton after undergoing toe surgery.
Czech defender set for Blues absence
Birmingham defender Martin Jiranek is doubtful for Saturday's visit of Bolton after undergoing a toe operation.
The Czech Republic international has played on despite suffering from the problem for several weeks as an injury crisis had opened the door for him to come into the side in the first place.
But the 31-year-old was forced off early on during the Blues' 2-1 defeat at Wigan last time out and they took advantage of the international break to send the centre-back for surgery.
"Jiranek had a minor operation on his toe," confirmed Blues boss Alex McLeish. "He has been playing with that discomfort for the past eight to 10 weeks.
"We had to do something about it. He came off after 15 minutes of the Wigan game.
Restricted
"He was clearly in distress and also being restricted in his running. He is a doubt, at the moment, for the weekend."
Jiranek was handed his Premier League debut in February after Scott Dann was ruled out with a hamstring problem.
But Blues' injury problems are easing with key midfielder Lee Bowyer having resumed training after also suffering from a hamstring problem.
Top scorer Nikola Zigic (groin) will also be available to face Bolton after making a substitute appearance for his country in midweek.
"Zigic played 15 minutes for Serbia, coming off the bench, and that indicates he is fit and ready to play," said McLeish.
"He has been out for a couple of weeks. Whether he can start the game, we will have a look at it over the next couple of days."
Birmingham's defeat at Wigan saw them slip into the bottom three but victory over Bolton could send Blues up to 13th.
