Birmingham City’s hopes of securing a first win at Nottingham Forest in five years have been dealt a severe blow with the news that new signing Jefferson Montero is unlikely to feature.
Montero completed his move to the second city before last Thursday’s 5pm transfer deadline, penning a season-long loan deal at St Andrew’s from Swansea City, and while the EFL confirmed all the relevant paperwork had been submitted in time, the Ecuadorian winger has yet to receive international clearance.
The 29-year-old has been training at Wast Hills with the rest of Pep Clotet’s squad, but looks set to miss the City Ground visit, according to the Spaniard, who admits to being impressed with the fitness he’s shown since arriving.
“He looked better than I thought,” Clotet told Birmingham Live.
“Obviously his training regime at Swansea was a little unknown for us. It’s a bit better for us than we thought.”
“I am still awaiting to hear about clearance, I don’t think that’s cleared yet, so it’s one of them.
“Otherwise he would be available for selection as well.”
The Blues are unbeaten in the Championship in their opening two games, winning at Brentford before being held at home by Bristol City.
They will also be without Kerim Mrabti as they go in search of a first win on the banks of the Trent in five outings.
