Tomoki Iwata and Kyogo Furuhashi missed Birmingham City’s narrow FA Cup defeat to Leeds United
Tomoki Iwata of Birmingham City
Tomoki Iwata and Kyogo Furuhashi missed Birmingham City’s pulsating FA Cup tie against Leeds United with injuries.
Iwata – who lit up the FA Cup this time last year with a belter against Newcastle United – and his compatriot Kyogo were notable absentees from Blues’ squad against Leeds.
Blues pushed the Premier League side all the way without their Japanese duo before losing 4-2 in a penalty shoot-out. Patrick Roberts cancelled out Lukas Nmecha’s opening goal to force extra-time.
Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search
Asked why Iwata and Kyogo weren’t involved in his post-match press conference, Davies said: “Both injury issues but not big ones. I’m pretty sure they are both minor ones.”
Iwata was rested by Davies in midweek as Blues drew 0-0 with West Bromwich Albion having been forced to manage some niggles.
That was the only Championship game this season that Iwata hasn’t started that he has been available for.
He took a whack on the hip at Oxford United two weeks ago and Davies has revealed that isn’t the only problem Iwata has been dealing with.
Davies added: “He’s got a couple of things. He’s been playing more minutes than anyone else and naturally he’s taken a bit of a break but we’re confident that he’s feeling better day by day so I’m hoping he’ll be OK moving forward.”
Should Iwata regain his place at right-back? Let us know in the comments…Get the latest Blues headlines sent straight to your phone
BirminghamLive has its very own Birmingham City WhatsApp community to deliver the latest headlines straight to your phone. Just click this link to receive daily Blues content and breaking news. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. Click on the name at the top of your screen while in WhatsApp and click ‘Exit Group’. Read our Privacy Notice.