Source: Daily_Mail
Birmingham City defender Martin Jiranek doubtful for Bolton game
Toe op: Martin Jiranek is a doubt[LNB] Birmingham defender Martin Jiranek has undergone a toe operation and is rated doubtful for Saturday's home Barclays Premier League clash with Bolton.[LNB]The Czech Republic international has been defying the problem to continue playing for several weeks but had to be substituted in the early stages of City's last game at Wigan.[LNB]Blues have taken advantage of the international break, sending the 31-year-old to undergo surgery.[LNB]Birmingham manager Alex McLeish confirmed: 'Jiranek had a minoroperation on his toe. He has been playing with that discomfort for thepast eight to 10 weeks.[LNB]'We had to do something about it. He came off after 15 minutes of the Wigan game.[LNB]'He was clearly in distress and also being restricted in his running. He is a doubt at the moment for the weekend.'[LNB]City's injury problems are easing with key midfielder Lee Bowyer back in contention after a hamstring injury.[LNB] Back in contention: Lee Bowyer has recovered from a hamstring injury[LNB] The former England midfielder has resumed training.[LNB]Leading scorer Nikola Zigic will also be available after a groin problem to face the Trotters after playing for Serbia in midweek as a substitute.[LNB]McLeish said: 'Zigic played 15 minutes for Serbia, coming off the bench, and that indicates he is fit and ready to play.[LNB]'He has been out for a couple of weeks. Whether he can start the game, we will have a look at it over the next couple of days.'[LNB] Now it's time to get serious: Sportsmail's experts deliver their verdicts on the season so far... and what's to comeMartin Keown: Cahill has to act like Terry and cut out the mistakesAll the latest Birmingham City news, features and opinionAll the latest Bolton news, features and opinion[LNB] Explore more:People: Lee Bowyer, Alex McLeish Places: Birmingham, United Kingdom, Czech Republic
