Paik Seung-ho’s return to training at EPIC has helped Birmingham City’s preparations for this weekend’s mouth-watering match against Swansea City at St. Andrew’s.

The Blues have won four of their past five Championship games and are third in the table heading into the last round of fixtures before the two-week international break, with Swansea just two spots behind on goal difference.

Davies isn’t exactly short of choices right now, but James Beadle and August Priske were left out of the matchday squad against Millwall due to injuries.

Paik had been a regular in Davies’ squad for much of his time, joining just months before the 41-year-old was appointed two years ago, signing from Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in January 2024.

However, for the South Koreans, 2026 has been a frustrating year. He missed a lot of last season due to injury, and he hasn’t been able to contribute to Birmingham’s outstanding start this year for the same reason.

Birmingham City confirms big Paik Seung-ho boost ahead of Swansea City showdown.

The 30-year-old South Korean international has appeared in ten tournaments this season, with only four of his eight Championship appearances coming from the starting lineup.

The most recent was a seven-minute cameo in a 2-2 draw with Middlesbrough prior to the season’s first extended international break.

Paik has missed the last seven Championship games after the South Korean Football Association announced the decision to return him to the West Midlands club for “protection.”

Earlier this week, Davies hinted that the midfielder may be featured in some form, and photographs have emerged of the 29-year-old fully practicing with his teammates ahead of the crucial weekend clash.

Paik Seung-ho’s return from injury isn’t Birmingham City’s only improvement.

The former Barcelona academy product has also become a regular for his national team, appearing three times at the FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, earning Birmingham a cash bonanza.

However, the Second City outfit would be relieved to have learnt of another scenario involving Paik that surfaced this week, even if it is not good news for his country.

South Korea was scheduled to compete in the Asia Cup in early 2027, however due to the ongoing Middle East crisis, the tournament has been postponed until 13 months later.

This means Davies will not lose one of his most experienced players during the winter months, when Championship activity is intense and squad depth is critical owing to the possibility of additional injuries.

Paik Seung-ho is not a certain starter for Birmingham City, despite great news.

Despite his consistency in recent seasons, Paik is no longer an automatic starter for Birmingham, considering the performances of his midfield teammates.

Jhon Solis has excelled greatly since agreeing to a permanent move from Girona, and while exit talk surrounds him, Tomoki Iwata has also received acclaim.

Max Bird was pushed into the ’10’ against Millwall, a decision that paid off with a goal and an assist for the summer signing, although he may return to a deeper role if Priske is deemed fit, given Jay Stansfield’s recent form in the attacking-midfield area.

Paik might still come off the bench and play a significant role, especially if the Blues need to finish the game against Matos’ side.