AMSTERDAM – Birmingham City midfielder Jonathan Spector's ankle exam has come up negative for ligament damage, meaning he should be available when the Blues return to action with a March 29 Championship visit to Crystal Palace.
The US international was removed just four minutes into Saturday's league win at Middlesbrough after being hacked down by Faris Haroun's rash tackle. The club initially feared the worst, but by Tuesday, Spector was down to nursing some lingering pain and bruising.
"It's not as bad as they originally thought," Birmingham press officer Andy Walker told MLSsoccer.com. "He's expected to be back after the international break."
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The Brums also received good news involving young handyman Will Packwood, who is recovering from a broken right fibula and tibia suffered in an FA Cup draw with Leeds United on January 5. The 19-year-old, who will undergo a simple clean-up procedure on Thursday, has been told by doctors that he's healing at top pace.
"He's in for the best-case scenario," reported Walker. "He hopes to be off crutches in a couple of weeks."
With just one defeat in six, Birmingham have climbed to a season-high water mark of 12th place in England's second tier. They stand seven points clear of the drop zone and 10 out of a promotion playoff place with eight matches remaining.
