Source: Daily_Mail
Birmingham boss Alex McLeish sweats over the fitness of Craig Gardner for visit of champions Chelsea
Birmingham are concerned about the fitness of key midfielder Craig Gardner ahead of Saturday's home clash with Chelsea.Gardner, City's leading scorer with four goals this season, suffered an ankle injury during last weekend's goalless draw at Manchester City.The former Aston Villa player, 23, has seen a specialist this week and Blues boss Alex McLeish is waiting anxiously on the results. Injured: Birmingham midfielder Craig Gardner clashes with City's Nigel de JongGardner has been one of Birmingham's most consistent performers this season with his energy and attacking runs.He forced his way into the side at the expense of Lee Bowyer, who formed an effective partnership with Barry Ferguson last season.City badly missed Gardner's drive when he had to serve a three-game ban for being sent off against Wigan.Gardner suffered the setback in a challenge with City midfielder Nigel de Jong during the first half. If he is ruled out, then the experienced Bowyer, who replaced Gardner at Eastlands, is favourite to earn a recall. Birmingham boss Alex McLeish: We can make Chelsea's bad week worse Top class! Birmingham boss Alex McLeish heaps praise on goalkeeper Ben FosterBIRMINGHAM FC