Davies indicated that surgery is not currently being treated as an immediate necessity.
“ Nós não conversamos sobre a cirurgia no ombro, então presumo que vamos tentar encontrar o momento certo para isso no verão,” Davies said.
The wording points to a cautious compromise. Paik can continue contributing if the shoulder remains stable, while the club keeps open the possibility of a procedure during the quieter summer window.
That approach carries an obvious footballing appeal. Surgery in the summer would give Paik a clearer rehabilitation period and reduce the risk of losing him during the campaign. But every additional match before an operation brings another test for a joint that has already failed him more than once.
The manager also stressed that Paik’s own view will matter.
“Se Paik dissesse que não consegue continuar, obviamente respeitaríamos a vontade dele,” Davies said, making clear that the player would not be pushed to continue if the problem became unmanageable.
Davies pointed to Kyogo as an example of a player who managed a similar injury for several seasons before undergoing surgery. It is a reminder that footballers sometimes operate within uncomfortable medical margins, particularly when they believe they can still help their team.
Paik could now compete for involvement in Birmingham City’s final summer friendly against FC Barcelona, but the longer-term question will remain unresolved. His first week back should reveal whether the shoulder is ready for another demanding stretch-or whether the summer operation becomes unavoidable.