Birmingham are likely to be without striker Christian “Chucho” Benitez for the trip to Turf Moor this weekend.
The Ecuadorian striker has flown home after being granted compassionate leave by the club following a car crash involving his father. With Benitez required by the Ecuadorian national side shortly after the Burnley game, it seems very unlikely that he’ll make a return to the club until after the international break.
His absence will come as a major blow to Birmingham boss Alex McLeish. Benitez performed well in the 3-1 defeat to Bolton last weekend and gathered the maximum FPL bonus points. Gary O’Connor is set to benefit – he’ll be favourite to start up front, despite the goal from Kevin Phillips at the weekend, as the McLeish perseveres with his preferred 4-5-1 formation.