Sunjic returns from suspension as Birmingham host Cardiff but Dean is banned

Posted Friday, January 17, 2020 by PA

Birmingham will have midfielder Ivan Sunjic back from suspension for Saturday’s Championship match against Cardiff but will lose Harlee Dean to suspension instead.

Sunjic has served a one-match ban for his red card in the FA Cup win over Blackburn but Dean is now banned after seeing red in the weekend win at Luton.

Defender Marc Roberts has returned to training after an ankle injury and could be involved, though Pep Clotet indicated he must still prove his fitness.

However, Maikel Kieftenbeld remains sidelined with a long-term knee injury.

Cardiff manager Neil Harris must decide whether to restore goalkeeper Neil Etheridge following transfer speculation.

Etheridge has been absent following links with the likes of West Ham but after the Premier League club signed Darren Randolph instead, the Philippines international looks likely to remain in south Wales.

Joe Ralls returned from a broken hand to start in the midweek 4-3 win over Carlisle in the FA Cup, while the likes of Aden Flint, Josh Murphy and Danny Ward impressed in the match.

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing remains out with a hamstring injury.