Exclusive: Birmingham City's promotion hopes boosted by "fantastic news" on Jay Stansfield | OneFootball

Birmingham City's record signing could return sooner than expected after EFL Trophy injury scare

In what will come as a significant relief to Birmingham City supporters, the club has revealed that Jay Stansfield's recent injury is not as serious as initially feared.

Blues' record signing, who has been instrumental in their League One promotion push this season, was forced off during the club's Vertu Trophy semi-final victory over Bradford City.

Former England international Carlton Palmer has shared his thoughts on the positive update regarding Stansfield's condition with Football League World.

"Fantastic news for Jay Stansfield and for Birmingham City coming out of St. Andrew's that the injury Jay sustained in the Vertu Trophy semi-final win over Bradford - which he scored in as their 20-goal leading scorer - it's been revealed that the damage is not as serious as first feared," Palmer told FLW.

The 22-year-old striker, who joined Birmingham permanently in a stunning League One record transfer from Fulham last summer, has been the driving force behind Blues' impressive campaign.

His absence from Saturday's trip to Reading had raised concerns among supporters about a potentially lengthy layoff.

Palmer expressed his relief at the medical update: "They said they're going to keep the reports coming out and keeping us updated, but it's great news for Birmingham City and great news for Jay Stansfield that there was no bone or ligament damage sustained, which is fantastic news, and they'll be hoping to get him back out on the pitch as quickly as possible.

"The thing for Birmingham now is that they have got a bit of leeway with how they're going at the top of the League, and so if he's out for two or three weeks it's not too bad - they just need to get him back up to speed and get him out there.

"You don't want to risk any major injury at this stage - but fantastic news for Birmingham City, who are looking to do a league and cup double this season."

Managing Jay Stansfield's return critical for Birmingham City's double ambitions

With Birmingham competing on multiple fronts this season, carefully managing Stansfield's recovery will be essential.

The striker's 20-goal haul has been vital to Blues' success, and his availability for the final stages of the campaign could prove decisive.

Even a potential month on the sidelines would see Stansfield miss up to seven League One matches from the 16 remaining fixtures.

In his absence, manager Chris Davies will likely turn to experienced alternatives Alfie May or Lyndon Dykes to lead the line.

The £15 million summer signing has more than justified his price tag, successfully shouldering the pressure of being the club's marquee addition.