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Crucial Norwich Players To Return Earlier Than Expected And Good News On Striker Recall Worry

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Daniel Farke had some good news for the Canary nation when he spoke to the assembled media at Colney on Friday lunchtime, ahead of City’s FA Cup clash with Portsmouth.

There’s positive news regarding both Emi Buendia and Jamal Lewis, who are both ahead of schedule in returning from injury. Lewis should be available for the Canaries’ next league game at the Hawthorns to face West Brom in what looks like being a real crunch game for both clubs, while Emi Buendia should be available for the visit of Birmingham City the following Friday.

With regard to Alex Tettey and Marco Stiepermann, who were both forced off at Brentford on New Year’s day, Tettey will be available for West Brom with Marco likely to be available to face Birmingham. Moritz Leitner is on schedule with his own rehab and should return at the end of January as previously predicted.

Farke spoke about treating the FA Cup as being of “high importance” and due to various injuries, we can expect to see a few more changes to the starting XI than normal.

The visitors, Portsmouth, will certainly fancy their chances of an upset and as they currently lead League One, I’m assuming they will bring a strong squad for the 5.30 kick off. Slightly annoying, that time change, and apparently it’s for foreign TV broadcast but it is what it is.

Kenny McLean looks likely to play for City with Grant Hanley and Ben Marshall also likely to be among the changes, with Farke also speaking about Felix Passlack. He’s clearly struggled for game time due to the superb form of Max Aarons but he’ll get another chance to get some minutes and impress against Pompey.

In terms of Jordan Rhodes, there has been some concern at the arrival of Steve Bruce in the Sheffield Wednesday manager’s position and what that might mean for Jordan.

Farke was asked about this and reiterated that Jordan, who has been taken to Canary hearts, agreed to a year-long loan deal. It would, he said, be no surprise if Bruce wanted to recall him but it seems the player would have to agree to a return and even then, according to the EDP’s Michael Bailey, the recall would only be for Wednesday to sell him.

Phew.

You can read more about the press conference below.

OTBC

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Editor - a forty something Canary, who has been following Norwich for 30 odd years. Family man with wife, kids, dog and a love of sport. Fan of Boxing, Vale 46, F1 and Rock.

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