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Blues wait on defensive duo

Image: Jiranek: Thigh problem

Alex McLeish is hoping Martin Jiranek and Liam Ridgewell will be fit for the Carling Cup final.

Jiranek and Ridgwell suffer injuries in Newcastle defeat

Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish is hoping Martin Jiranek and Liam Ridgewell will be fit for the Carling Cup final. Jiranek and Ridgewell picked up injuries during Birmingham's 2-0 defeat at home by Newcastle United in the Premier League on Tuesday evening. Czech Republic centre-half Jiranek was forced off in the second half, while left-back Ridgewell was able to play the full 90 minutes at St Andrews. McLeish admits it is too early to say if the defensive duo will miss the Wembley showdown with Arsenal at the end of the month and is waiting to learn the extent of the injuries.

Waiting

"Jiranek had an injection in his toe at half-time and he has come off with a thigh problem and hopefully he's not pulled a muscle," said McLeish. "With Ridgewell, I don't know how he's going to be over the next 48 hours. "He looked as if he had a bit of cramp. We thought he'd pulled a muscle at first when he limped off. "Are they doubtful for the final? I can't give you that answer now. There's no way we can diagnose something like that after a game."

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