Confirmed: New Birmingham City, Jay Stansfield update emerges after serious concern | OneFootball

An update has been given on Blues' record signing after he was stretchered off against Bradford City

Birmingham City have provided an update on Jay Stansfield's current condition after the striker was stretchered off in the 59th minute of their eventual EFL Trophy semi-final triumph over Bradford City on Tuesday night.

Appeals for a penalty after Stansfield was forcefully sent to the turf by Bantams centre-back Romoney Crichlow were in vain from the home quarters of St Andrew's @ Knighthead Park in the 51st minute, with the League Two side netting their equaliser through Bobby Pointon from the next phase of play.

Attention then turned to the Blues and League One record-signing who was left motionless in front of the Tilton, before eventually being replaced by Alfie May eight minutes later.

Despite Lyndon Dykes' late header proving enough to send Birmingham to Wembley Stadium for the first time in 14 years, the fallout from the tie was somewhat overshadowed by the aforementioned incident, with Chris Davies describing it as a "huge concern" whilst the club awaited scan results for definitive answers regarding the extent of Stansfield's injury.

And, on Thursday morning, the West Midlands club were able to provide an update on the forward's wellbeing.

Birmingham City provide key Jay Stansfield update

During his post-match press conference, Davies stated that the overall concern came from the "severity of the impact on his leg" following the challenge.

However, in an official statement, in what will be a relief to all Bluenoses, who did see pictures of the 22-year-old on crutches surfacing after the midweek success, that severity isn't as bad as potentially first envisaged.

"The club wish to provide the following update on the condition of Jay Stansfield," the statement began.

"The Blues striker was stretchered off an hour into Tuesday night’s Vertu Trophy victory over Bradford City."

"Stansfield was taken to a local hospital where scans have since revealed no indication of bone or ligament damage to the affected area."

"The 22-year-old will continue to be assessed by the club's medical staff in the coming days," the update concluded.

Jay Stansfield issues message to Birmingham City support after injury update

Post-match, the aforementioned Crichlow took to social media to state the challenge wasn't malicious, as well as providing a message of support to Stansfield.

Following Birmingham's official update on Thursday morning, the 20-goal striker has also taken to his Instagram profile, sending a message to the club's supporters.

"A dream come true to get the opportunity to play at Wembley. I’m also very happy that my injury isn’t as serious as first feared. I will do everything I can to get back on the pitch as soon as possible. KRO," Stansfield said.

Birmingham City will hope Jay Stansfield's form continues after lay-off

Whilst it goes without saying that all of a Royal Blue persuasion will be uplifted by the news that Stansfield's injury isn't as bad as first feared, the England Under-21 international's fitness and sharpness must be monitored with caution, given his impact on what will be a 60-game season for Blues.

Of course, having the services of May and Dykes gives Davies plenty of strength-in-depth and differing attributes to call upon in the short term, but the former Fulham man has been a game-changer for Birmingham in many scrappy affairs this term, a theme evident in the past two games against Bradford and Charlton Athletic, as he reached the landmark goal tally with two sublime finishes.

The B9 side's metal will be well and truly tested in the coming weeks though, as they face off against five of League One's current top 10 between now and March 8th, which includes a crucial clash with second-place Wycombe Wanderers at St Andrew's @ Knighthead Park next weekend after a trip to Reading on Saturday.

It remains to be seen how many of these encounters Stansfield is available for, but Davies, the squad and Blues supporters will be hopeful that his remarkable form - amid huge pressure to consistently deliver - can continue and see them over the line in two competitions.