McLeish hoping for swift Benitez return
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Alex McLeish is hoping Birmingham striker Christian Benitez will be fit "sooner rather than later" after being forced to change his starting line-up for the first time in 13 Barclays Premier League games.
Benitez has been ruled out of tonight's clash at West Ham with an ankle injury suffered in a challenge with Wolves keeper Marcus Hahnemann in Sunday's derby at St Andrew's.
McLeish is optimistic the Ecuador international will only have a short spell on the sidelines providing there is no delayed reaction to the injury.
The former Scotland boss told Press Association Sport: "Christian is limping a wee bit - although the ankle injury is not serious.
"The doctor thinks that, with a push, he could have been knocking on the door for tonight's game but he's not going to quite make it.
"It's not serious but sometimes these things can improve pretty quickly, then you hit a hiatus with it, and it tends to drag on for a couple of weeks.
"Let's hope that the doctor's diagnosis is right and he is back sooner rather than later."
Benitez has played a full part in City's run of only one defeat in their last 15 league games.
McLeish insists there have been no complaints amongst the City players about Hahnemann's challenge after Benitez challenged for the ball before being given offside.
He said: "Nothing has been said about it."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments