Birmingham City striker Cameron Jerome has suffered an injury setback

Sep 5 2009 by Colin Tattum, Birmingham Mail

BLUES have been rocked by an injury blow to striker Cameron Jerome.

He faces up to another month on the sidelines after it was discovered his ankle problem was worse than first feared.

Jerome has had scans on the troubled area and the news is not great, Alex McLeish admitted.

“Cameron had a similar injury to Martin Taylor’s but not as severe,’’ said the manager.

“But it’s enough to keep him out for maybe another month. It was one of those ligament type injuries. He got a kick on his ankle and heel.

“So it’s a blow as Cameron was looking to show us that he’s maturing into a Premier League player.”

Jerome was forced off in the Portsmouth match after a tackle from behind.

It was hoped he might be available for the trip to Spurs, but now Blues have had to redraw their plans.

Centre-half Martin Taylor went over and then his ankle was trodden on in the pre-season friendly at Nottingham Forest. He was ruled out for up to three months.

Another striker, Marcus Bent, remains under treatment for a hamstring strain. He has yet to figure this season.

McLeish said: “Marcus is probably a couple of weeks away, maybe sooner.”

Much will depend on the form and fitness of Christian Benitez up front in the coming weeks.