Cardiff City face a host of injury and suspension concerns ahead of Birmingham's visit, although Brian Barry-Murphy has received several fitness boosts

Cardiff City and Birmingham City could be without as many as nine players between them when they meet in the Championship on Saturday, with Brian Barry-Murphy facing several selection headaches ahead of the clash.

The Bluebirds welcome Chris Davies' side to Cardiff City Stadium looking to build on their recent upturn in form, which has seen them thrash Watford 5-1 before earning a creditable 2-2 draw away at Middlesbrough.

But Cardiff's improving results have come at a cost, with injuries and suspension leaving Barry-Murphy short of options in several positions.

There was some welcome news from Thursday's press conference, however, with Yousef Salech declared fit, Perry Ng potentially returning and Rubin Colwill edging closer to a comeback.

Here is the latest team news from both camps ahead of Saturday's encounter.

Cardiff City

Gabriel Osho – Suspended

Osho will miss Cardiff's next three matches after being sent off during the 2-2 draw with Middlesbrough last weekend.

The centre-back received his marching orders after picking up a second yellow card at the Riverside Stadium, with Cardiff subsequently appealing the decision.

However, Barry-Murphy confirmed on Thursday that the appeal had been unsuccessful.

"We appealed it because we felt it was a good case, but it was dismissed," the Cardiff boss said.

Dylan Lawlor – Out

Lawlor has been ruled out until after the international break after suffering a hamstring injury against Watford.

The young defender had only recently returned from a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a knee problem, making the latest setback particularly frustrating.

"Dylan's hamstring injury means he won't be back until after the international break. That's his timescale for now," Barry-Murphy confirmed.

The manager also revealed Lawlor had still been experiencing discomfort in his knee before suffering the hamstring problem, meaning his latest spell out will provide an opportunity to strengthen both areas.

Calum Chambers – Out

The Cardiff captain remains unavailable with a knee injury and has yet to make an appearance this season.

Chambers' ongoing absence has further limited Barry-Murphy's options in central defence, particularly with Osho suspended and Lawlor sidelined.

Rubin Colwill – Doubtful

Colwill is getting closer to returning from his ankle injury, although Barry-Murphy has admitted he is reluctant to rush the attacking midfielder back into action.

The Wales international has been absent for a significant period and the Cardiff manager wants to ensure he is fully confident in his fitness before making his comeback.

"Rubin Colwill is close, but we're not quite sure about him yet," Barry-Murphy said on Thursday.

"I'm really pleased. Obviously, he's such a huge player for us.

"The temptation for all of us, myself included, is to get him back as soon as possible. He's been out for so long with this injury, and even when he came back previously, he wasn't perfect.

"I just want to make sure he's really confident and assured in how he's moving, so that we can get him back for the remainder of the season and not just rush him back for one game."

Perry Ng – Could return

Ng is hopeful of returning to the squad after missing last weekend's trip to Middlesbrough with a back problem.

The defender suffered a bang to his lower back against Watford, which subsequently caused a spasm.

"Perry is expected to train today, and his back condition is improving daily, so hopefully he'll be available for Saturday," Barry-Murphy said on Thursday.

Ronan Kpakio – Doubtful

Kpakio is Cardiff's latest injury concern after suffering a dead leg during the draw at Middlesbrough.

The young right-back was forced off during the second half and had not trained in the days leading up to Thursday's press conference.

"Ronan had a dead leg, so we had to take him off later in the second half," Barry-Murphy explained.

"I don't think he's trained this week either, but hopefully he'll train today."

Yousef Salech – Available

In a significant boost for Cardiff, Salech is back in contention after recovering from the shoulder injury he suffered against Charlton Athletic.

The striker has returned to full training and is available for Saturday's match, although he faces competition for a starting place from Jack Moylan, who has excelled in a more advanced role in recent matches.

"Yousef Salech is back in full training. He's fit and good to go," Barry-Murphy confirmed.

"Obviously, Jack is in rich form, where he looks like scoring and creating goals in every game, so we're very grateful for that. But to have Yousef back is a huge lift for us all."

Callum Robinson – Available

Robinson is also back in contention after being omitted from the squad against Middlesbrough for failing to meet certain internal standards.

Barry-Murphy confirmed the striker had returned to training this week and insisted there was no wider issue with the experienced forward.

"Callum's a great guy. He's been a great player for us and a great person, so there's no problem whatsoever. I'm very pleased to have him back in training this week," he said.

Birmingham City

Paik Seung-ho – Out

Birmingham midfielder Paik remains sidelined and will not feature against Cardiff.

The South Korea international has missed the last three matches and is still several weeks away from returning, according to Blues boss Chris Davies.

"Paik's making slow progress. I think he's still a few weeks away from it," Davies said on Thursday.

"He just took a knock, so we have to wait a little bit longer and be a bit more patient for it to recover. But he's working hard at the other things to minimise that."

Kristoffer Lund – Out

The Birmingham defender has missed the club's last three matches and remains unavailable for the trip to south Wales.

His absence has been one of relatively few injury concerns for Davies, whose side have otherwise enjoyed a largely settled squad since the international break.

Marc Leonard – Out

Leonard is a long-term absentee after suffering an Achilles injury.

The midfielder is not expected to return until the new year at the earliest and will play no part in Saturday's encounter.