Kieftenbeld could return to Birmingham squad for meeting with Brentford

Posted Friday, February 14, 2020 by PA

Birmingham midfielder Maikel Kieftenbeld could be back in contention for the Sky Bet Championship match against promotion-chasing Brentford.

Blues boss Pep Clotet confirmed the Dutchman – out since April 2019 after damaging knee ligaments – is ready for selection if needed, having returned to training and playing in two under-23s games.

Midfielders Kerim Mrabti (hamstring) and Jacques Maghoma (thigh) are stepping up their recovery as they close in on full fitness.

Josh McEachran is set to have surgery on a knee ligament injury, while Dan Crowley (hamstring) continues his own rehabilitation.

Brentford boss Thomas Frank must decide whether to freshen up his side for the trip to St Andrew’s.

The Bees were unchanged for the midweek home draw against fellow promotion-chasers Leeds, when deadline day signings Shandon Baptiste and Tariqe Fosu made their debuts as late substitutes.

Captain Pontus Jansson has been troubled by a hip problem since early January, but the Sweden defender is expected to soon be in contention again having resumed training.

Sergi Canos and Nikos Karelis continue their rehabilitation from knee injuries.