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Super Eagles defender Bright Osayi-Samuel is facing a race against time to be fit for Birmingham City’s important run of home matches this week, Footynaija reports.
Birmingham City manager Chris Davies has offered a cautious update on the Nigerian defender’s health condition.
The former Fenerbahçe right-back has started Birmingham’s last three Championship games and has begun to look settled again after a mixed season.
Since joining the club on a free transfer from Fenerbahce last summer, Osayi-Samuel has had to fight for his place, but he recently worked his way back into the starting line-up.
🚨🇳🇬 Bright Osayi-Samuel wins the Man of the Match Award in his debut game for Birmingham City. 👏🏾 pic.twitter.com/Ic9fRxwqRb
— GNB OFFICIAL (@GHNaijaBallers) August 9, 2025
Birmingham now face a crucial double-header at St Andrew’s, where they will take on Preston North End on Wednesday before hosting Bristol City on Saturday. These matches could decide where the team finishes in the league, with just one point separating all three sides in the table.
Osayi-Samuel was in good form during the recent 2-0 win over Wrexham, which many believe was one of his best performances of the season. However, he suffered a setback in the following game against Hull City. The defender was forced off after just 50 minutes during the 1-1 draw, raising concerns about his availability.
Speaking after the match, Davies explained the situation clearly. “It was a dead leg,” Davies said. “I think it seized up at half-time and he tried to go on but he couldn’t. I thought Ethan (Laird) came in really well.
“I’m presuming Bright will be OK but we’ll have to see.”
The manager’s comments suggest there is still hope that Osayi-Samuel could recover in time, but no final decision has been made yet. His fitness will likely be checked closely before the Preston game.
If he is not ready to start, Ethan Laird is expected to step in. Laird has had limited opportunities this season, and this could be just his third league start in his natural right-back role.
With so little separating the teams in the table, Birmingham will need their best players available. Osayi-Samuel’s energy, defensive strength, and growing confidence make him an important part of the squad at a time when every point matters.
