Birmingham vs Newcastle - Michael Morrison and Tomasz Kuszczak may miss Birmingham's FA Cup match

Posted Friday, January 06, 2017 by PA

Birmingham could be without defender Michael Morrison and goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak for the FA Cup visit of Newcastle.

Captain Morrison has been playing with a groin problem while Kuszczak has a leg strain ahead of the game.

Jacques Maghoma is away with DR Congo for their African Nations Cup campaign.

Boss Gianfranco Zola, who won the Cup twice with Chelsea, could make other changes as he looks for his first win in charge.

Newcastle are facing a midfielder shortage ahead of their trip to St Andrew's.

Jonjo Shelvey serves the fourth game of his five-match Football Association suspension, while fellow central midfielder Mohamed Diame and wide man Christian Atsu, along with centre-back Chancel Mbemba, have departed for the African Nations Cup.

Manager Rafael Benitez has sought to bolster his ranks by recalling Sammy Ameobi from his loan spell at Bolton but the winger is unavailable to face the Blues as he is cup-tied.

With Newcastle's main aim to achieve promotion this season, Benitez may opt to rest some key personnel against Birmingham and give fringe players such as forward Daryl Murphy and versatile full-back Achraf Lazaar a chance to impress.