Diego Fabbrini in Gianfranco Zola’s plans

Diego Fabbrini was notably absent from the Blues squad for yesterday’s defeat to Brighton at St. Andrews.

However, the reason for his absence was due to only having one full training session in a number of weeks.

The playmaker has recently returned from Italy after the death of his grandmother. He was granted compassionate leave by former manager Gary Rowett and has only trained on one occasion since his return.

Fabbrini played for Gianfranco Zola at Watford and has been told he is in the plans of Blues’ new manager.