Sunderland frontman Kenwyne Jones has given manager Steve Bruce a major injury boost.
Club chiefs feared the 25-year-old had sustained a serious injury after being substituted at half time against Manchester City with a hip problem.
But Jones - who scored in the 1-1 draw with City - has been given the all-clear by specialists after scans came back showing no lasting damage.
While Jones remains out of training, Bruce hasn't ruled out the possibility of him returning when Birmingham travel to Wearside this weekend.
The relieved manager says he won't take any chances with the player but will be monitoring the situation with interest over the next few days.
Speaking exclusively to safc.com, Bruce said: "Kenwyne's had a scan and thankfully the damage isn't as bad as we first feared initially.
"It's too early to say whether he will make Saturday's game but we will keep an eye on him, give him all the treatment we can and keep our fingers crossed."