Birmingham City have been dealt a severe blow with the news that talismanic playmaker James McFadden is facing up up to six weeks on the sidelines with a torn muscle in his thigh.

The 26-year-old lasted just 45 minutes of the Blues' 1-0 loss to arch-rivals Aston Villa at St Andrews on Sunday before being forced off and scans have now revealed the extent of the damage.

Early indications suggest McFadden could miss Birmingham's next six games, including a Carling Cup 3rd round tie against Sunderland and a trip to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal.

'Faddy' will also be forced to sit out Scotland's friendly against Japan in October but could make his return for the visist of big-spending Manchester City on November 1st.

The news comes a major blow to Blues boss Alex McLeish, who has seen his side make a mixed start to the 2009/10 campaign having picked up just four points from their opening five games.

"It's a big blow for us because he has been in great form since the start of the season," said McLeish.

"I'm not going to put any targets on his return. He will be back when he's back, but we have lost him for the foreseeable future."