Sunday Mar 23 2008 06:34
Birmingham City's bid to beat the drop has been hit by the news that James McFadden is out for at least a fortnight with a knee injury.
The 24-year-old Scotland international has scored four goals in eight appearances for the Blues since his arrival from Everton in January, but now faces a short spell on the sidelines.
Blues manager Alex McLeish confirmed: "James had a small tear in his knee. He had keyhole surgery on Saturday morning and we'll miss him for two more matches.
"It happened after the Newcastle match. We were not concerned at first, because we thought it was just a knock.
"However, over the past few days the physiotherapist thought it might be a tear in his knee and so it proved to be.
"It's a huge blow to us because he's been in scintillating form and he's brought a lot to the team, but what can you do about it?
"We reckon he'll be out for at least three games including today's against Reading, so the sooner we get him back the better."
Meanwhile, Blues centre-back Liam Ridgewell faces a two-match suspension after being booked for the tenth time this season in the 2-1 defeat at Reading.
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