Birmingham City may be without six players for their match against Sunderland due to a new injury.

Krystian Bielik will miss Birmingham City’s trip to Sunderland this weekend after picking up his fifth caution of the season in the draw with Ipswich Town.

Poland international Bielik was benched by Wayne Rooney against Ipswich, but he was introduced as a second half substitute as Blues surrendered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2. Bielik was booked for a foul on Dane Scarlett in the 82nd minute and will now be suspended for the game at the Stadium of Light.

Blues will also be without injured trio Lee Buchanan, Keshi Anderson and Tyler Roberts until after the international break. Alfie Chang is a long-term absentee due to a serious knee injury.

However, Ethan Laird boosted Blues by making his return to the starting XI against Ipswich after over two months out. The right-back earned a spot in the Championship team of the week and played just shy of 80 minutes at St Andrew’s.

Laird could soon be joined in the squad by George Hall, although Rooney might not risk the 19-year-old in Blues’ final game before the international break. “George has been training with the team now for the last ten days,” Rooney said.

“At a push I probably could push for him for next weekend but I think because of the injuries we are probably better being a bit cautious and getting over the international break and then have him available after that. I think hamstrings are always difficult injuries with obviously all your power coming from there. That’s why we’re being a bit careful and a bit cautious, we don’t want him to come back and do it again. We’re building more power back up and making sure when he does come in, he’s coming in ready to play.”

Pressed for an update on Buchanan, Anderson and Roberts, Rooney added: “Lee, I’m very hopeful will be the first game after the international break and Tyler and Keshi probably behind them.”

Lee Buchanan

Injury: Ankle (Sustained September 25)

Buchanan rolled his ankle during a training session six weeks ago and the defender was sporting a protective boot until recently.

The 22-year-old has become a key player for Blues since making a permanent switch from Werder Bremen in July. Buchanan has started all seven of the Championship matches he has been available for and contributed to one of the best defensive records in the league.

Keshi Anderson

Injury: Hamstring (Sustained September 22)

Anderson had to be replaced by Oliver Burke shortly before half-time after pulling up in the middle of the park against QPR. Anderson – who only made nine appearances in the Championship last term for Blackpool due to a succession of injuries – has missed Blues’ last seven games.

George Hall

Injury: Hamstring (Sustained August 29)

George Hall’s first start in over four months ended in another injury for Birmingham City’s talented teen. Hall was included in Blues’ line-up for the Carabao Cup second round defeat to Cardiff City on August 29. It was his first start since April 15 when Blues played Sunderland in the Championship, but he pulled his hamstring shortly before half-time and didn’t reappear for the second half.

Tyler Roberts

Injury: Calf (Sustained August 11)

Roberts completed pre-season, despite having to manage a groin complaint towards the end of it, and started the opening day draw with Swansea City. He was withdrawn after 60 minutes and rested for the Carabao Cup victory over Cheltenham Town.

Having trained all week Roberts was expected to start against his former club Leeds United on August 12 before picking up a new injury on the eve of the match. Almost three months on, Roberts is still sidelined after some setbacks.

Alfie Chang

Injury: Knee (ACL – sustained August 22)

Chang is set for an extended period on the sidelines after suffering a serious knee injury during training on August 22. The midfielder was a fixture in Blues’ matchday squads under former boss John Eustace and was playing the role of back-up to midfield pairing Krystian Bielik and Ivan Sunjic. Having undergone surgery on his injured ACL, Chang is now working in the gym at Blues’ training ba