3 left-backs Birmingham City must eye after serious Lee Buchanan injury blow

01/02/2025 06:37 AM

Birmingham City have been reduced to just one senior left-back after seeing Lee Buchanan suffer a serious knee injury.

Birmingham City man Lee Buchanan has not had the easiest time with injuries in his St. Andrew’s career.

Unfortunately, having worked his way back into the fray and back from injury this season, the former Derby County and Werder Bremen is now facing an extended spell out after a new blow. Buchanan’s knee buckled underneath him against Blackpool and will be out for the long-term as a result.

It leaves the Blues with just Alex Cochrane available at left-back and manager Chris Davies has suggested the blow could force them into the transfer market for another option on the left-hand side of defence.

With that in mind, we put forward three left-backs Birmingham City would be wise to have on their radar…

Haydon Roberts – Bristol City

Former Brirghton youngster Roberts has found a starting role hard to come by at Bristol City this season and as such, it would not be a surprise if there was January interest in his services.

His ability to play as a wing-back, full-back or even left-sided centre-back would bring some valuable versatility to the Birmingham City ranks alongside some much-needed cover and competition for Cochrane in Buchanan’s absence.

A loan may be most feasible, but perhaps a permanent deal isn’t out of the question either.

Leo Hjelde – Sunderland

If Birmingham City wanted a slightly more defensive-minded left-back, Leo Hjelde may be on to consider. He too has found minutes hard to come by in the Championship and may benefit from a move given that Sunderland have had injury problems and Hjelde still hasn’t played.

Also capable of playing as a centre-back, Hjelde could offer cover and competition in two key areas in the absence of Buchanan.

Whether he’d be willing to drop down to League One, that would be interesting to see. However, the Blues have been able to persuade players to do similar and it may appeal to Hjelde given his game time struggle.

Harry Amass – Manchester United

Last but not least is a slightly different option with teenage left-back Harry Amass still very much on his way up. However, he’s held in extremely high regard at Manchester United and a first senior loan has been floated.

A move to a side battling it out at the top of their respective division like Birmingham City could be just what the former Watford prospect needs as he looks to gain experience.

Amass could be a great loan option to cover for the sidelined Buchanan over the rest of the season.

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