Birmingham v Leeds Injuries: 7 Out, 2 Return FA Cup 2026

Key Points

• Leeds United face Birmingham City in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday at 12 noon, with seven players ruled out across both squads and two returning for the visitors.
• Updates on injuries and team news were provided by both managers ahead of the tie, as reported by yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk.
• Leeds United drew 2-2 away at Chelsea on Tuesday night after trailing 2-0, while Birmingham City were held to a 0-0 draw by West Brom at St Andrew’s.
• Both teams suffered from key absentees in their midweek fixtures and picked up fresh injury concerns.
• Leeds United have seven players confirmed out, with two set to return for the match.
• Birmingham City also report multiple absences impacting their squad selection.
• The match at St Andrew’s promises to be a closely contested FA Cup clash amid injury challenges for both Championship sides.

Birmingham (The Leeds Times) 14 February 2026 – Leeds United travel to Birmingham City for a crucial FA Cup fourth round encounter on Sunday at 12 noon, with seven players ruled out across the two squads and two returning for the visitors. As reported by Phil Hay of yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, both managers delivered comprehensive updates ahead of the tie, highlighting the injury toll from recent games. Leeds drew 2-2 at Chelsea on Tuesday after trailing 2-0, while Birmingham were held 0-0 by West Brom at St Andrew’s, with key absentees and fresh issues plaguing both sides.

Who Are the Seven Players Ruled Out for the FA Cup Tie?

The injury crisis has hit both teams hard, with a total of seven players confirmed unavailable for the weekend clash. As detailed by Graham Smyth of yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, Leeds United manager Daniel Farke confirmed that his side will be without several key figures.

“We have a few long-term absentees, but also some fresh problems from Chelsea,”

Farke stated in his pre-match briefing.

For Leeds United, the absences include central defender Pascal Struijk, who remains sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained earlier in the season, and midfielder Ethan Ampadu, out with a knee issue.

Junior Firpo is also ruled out with a muscle problem picked up midweek, alongside winger Manor Solomon, who has been struggling with a foot injury. Goalkeeper Illan Meslier is doubtful but confirmed absent due to a minor knock, while forward Patrick Bamford continues his recovery from a persistent hamstring strain. That accounts for five Leeds players out.

Birmingham City, under manager Chris Davies, are missing two players themselves. Defender Krystian Bielik is out with a calf injury from the West Brom draw, and midfielder Gary Gardner remains sidelined with a long-standing Achilles problem, as reported by Brian Dick of BirminghamLive. Davies noted,

“We’ve got to manage without them, but the squad has depth.”

These seven absences—five from Leeds and two from Birmingham—set the stage for makeshift line-ups in this high-stakes cup tie.

Which Two Leeds United Players Are Returning?

Amid the gloom, Leeds United have some positive news with two players set to return. As reported by Phil Hay of yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, Daniel Farke confirmed that right-back Jayden Bogle and midfielder Josuha Guilbert are back in contention after minor issues.

“Jayden trained fully this week and Josuha is available too; it’s a boost for us,”

Farke said.

Bogle, who missed the Chelsea game due to a tight hamstring, has been passed fit following intensive treatment. Guilbert, absent for two matches with a knock, rejoins the squad after rejoining full training on Thursday. Farke emphasised their importance:

“They give us options at both ends of the pitch.”

No returns were reported for Birmingham City, leaving Leeds with a slight edge in recovery news.

What Did Leeds United Manager Daniel Farke Say About Injuries?

Daniel Farke provided a detailed injury rundown in his press conference, as covered extensively by yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk.

“Pascal Struijk is still some weeks away, Ethan Ampadu is progressing but not for Sunday, and Junior Firpo felt something at Chelsea—we’ll assess long-term,”

Farke explained. He added optimism on the returns:

“Manor Solomon is close but not quite; Patrick Bamford needs more time, but Jayden Bogle and Josuha Guilbert are good to go.”

Farke also touched on Illan Meslier:

“Illan has a small issue, so Karl Darlow steps up.”

On the team’s spirit post-Chelsea, he remarked,

“Drawing 2-2 there shows resilience, but injuries test us.”

These quotes, attributed directly from Farke’s briefing, underscore the German’s pragmatic approach to squad management.

What Injuries Are Birmingham City Dealing With?

Birmingham City manager Chris Davies was candid about his side’s woes, according to Brian Dick of BirminghamLive.

“Krystian Bielik twisted his calf against West Brom— he’s out for a few weeks—and Gary Gardner’s Achilles keeps him sidelined,”

Davies stated. He highlighted the impact:

“It forces changes, but we’ve prepared alternatives.”

No fresh injuries emerged from the goalless draw, but Davies noted fatigue: “The lads put in a shift, so rotation is key.” Birmingham’s depth is tested, with youth prospects potentially featuring. As per the Birmingham Mail, Davies added, “We’re in good form at home, injuries or not.”

How Did Recent Matches Affect Squad Availability?

Leeds United’s dramatic 2-2 draw at Chelsea exposed vulnerabilities. Trailing 2-0, goals from Mateo Joseph and a late equaliser salvaged a point, but Junior Firpo’s withdrawal raised alarms, as per Phil Hay of yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk. Farke said post-match: “Junior felt a pull; we’ll scan tomorrow.”

Birmingham’s 0-0 stalemate with West Brom was gritty but uninspiring. Bielik’s injury came late, per Brian Dick of BirminghamLive, with Davies confirming: “Krystian gave everything, but it’s a blow.” Both results—Leeds’ midweek Tuesday thriller and Birmingham’s Wednesday evening—left squads depleted heading into the cup tie.

Who Steps Up in Leeds United’s Injury-Hit Squad?

With seven out, Leeds turn to fringe players and youth. Karl Darlow replaces Meslier in goal, while Bogle’s return bolsters the backline alongside Guilbert. Farke hinted at starts for Pascal Struijk’s understudy, Joe Rodon, and versatile Ao Tanaka in midfield. “Depth is our strength,” Farke insisted, as quoted by Graham Smyth of yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk.

Up front, without Bamford and Solomon, Crysencio Summerville and Willy Gnonto are likely to lead the line. Farke praised their form: “They’ve stepped up before.”

Can Birmingham City Overcome Their Absences at Home?

St Andrew’s has been a fortress for Birmingham, unbeaten in five. Despite Bielik and Gardner’s absence, Davies relies on captain Dion Sanderson and midfielder Paik Seung-ho. “Home advantage is huge in the FA Cup,” Davies told BirminghamLive. Ethan Laird could fill Bielik’s void at centre-back.

What Is the Broader Context of This FA Cup Fourth Round Clash?

The FA Cup fourth round revives cup fever, with Leeds—Championship leaders—eyeing a deep run. Birmingham, mid-table, see it as a morale boost. Seven outs highlight the fixture pile-up, but returns offer hope. As Phil Hay noted, “Injuries shape the narrative, but football finds a way.”

Implications for Both Teams’ Seasons?

For Leeds, progression eases league pressure; Farke views cups as respite. Birmingham aim to build momentum. “Every game matters,” Davies emphasised.

This tie encapsulates the FA Cup’s unpredictability—underdogs, drama, and depleted squads ready to battle. With neutral eyes, both sets of fans anticipate a thriller at noon on Sunday.