Mario Melchiot is poised for a swift return to Birmingham City duty after his leg injury proved less serious than initially feared.

The Holland international full-back had to be taken off midway through the first half of the 2-0 Barclays Premiership victory over Liverpool last weekend. But with Birmingham out of the FA Cup, he now has an extra week to regain full fitness.

Birmingham coach Eric Black said that Melchiot should return for the Premiership match against Crystal Palace on February 26.

"The lad landed on the back of his leg, and there was initial pain so it was obviously better that he did come off," Black said. "But thankfully it looks OK, and fortunately we now have two weeks before the next game.

"The swelling has started to go down already, so fingers crossed he will be fine for Crystal Palace [next week]."

Birmingham could also welcome back Stan Lazaridis and Salif Diao after their injuries in recent weeks.

Lazaridis has not played for Blues since the FA Cup win over Leeds in early January because of a thigh injury. However, the Senegal international midfielder should be fit enough to return to full training on Monday and could be fit to face Palace.

Diao has played only one game since joining Birmingham on loan from Liverpool last month because of calf and hamstring injuries.

"Another good week under their belt should ensure that they are both ready to start training with the main group next week too," Black said.

Muzzy Izzet is progressing at a slower rate from the knee injury that has ruined his season but he could still be back in early March.

"Muzzy has been working away and he is a determined kind of boy," Black said. "He has had an awful lot to deal with this season. But I would hope in the next week or two there will be signs of him coming back which would be another big boost."