The Football League Paper

MONK’S SO SAD AT KO TO BLUES’ ROBERTS

- By Chris Johnstone

BIRMINGHAM manager Garry Monk has spoken of his disappoint­ment at losing Marc Roberts to injury.

Defender Roberts, 28, was handed his first league start of the season at Blackburn Rovers, but lasted just nine minutes before being forced off with a calf injury.

“His injury was really unfortunat­e,” said Monk.

“We all felt for Marc because he’s had to be very patient this season. He’s trained hard and was ready to play.

“But when he got the opportunit­y, he only got nine minutes and then he’s kind of done.

“He pulled his calf and he’s going to be out for a few weeks with that, but he’ll bounce back.

“We’ve got a good medical and physio team and they’ll do their best to get him right as soon as possible.”

Striker Isaac Vassell, 25, and midfielder David Davis, 27, are both closing in on respective comebacks.

“Isaac is back in training,” added Monk. “He needs a period of training to be built back up in terms of match fitness. But he’s progressin­g really nicely.

“David Davis is doing fantastica­lly, too.

“He’s stepping up his rehab into full loading. He’s out on the grass and running and progressin­g from that and we’ll make sure he comes back when he’s ready.”

Meanwhile, Blues have announced that Nicolai Brock-Madsen has had his contract terminated by mutual agreement.

The Danish forward made just eight appearance­s for the club since joining in 2015, with the last of those coming three years ago. He has since had loan spells at PEC Zwolle, Cracovia and currently St Mirren.

Brock-Madsen will become a free agent when his loan deal with the Scottish club ends in January.

 ??  ?? SETBACK: Marc Roberts
SETBACK: Marc Roberts

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