Daniel Farke gave a rather downbeat injury update at his usual pre-match presser at Colney on Friday lunchtime.
Farke confirmed that Emi Buendia, Moritz Leitner and Jamal Lewis are all set for extended absences from the first team squad.
In the case of Buendia and Leitner, they will not be available until the end of January. Leitner’s ankle problem was explained after the Nottingham Forest game and Mo is now six days into his rehabilitation. Emi however, is arguably a bigger blow because I guess I was just hoping it would be a short-term thing.
Farke said: “In general it’s not too good. Emi will be out for three or four weeks with a ligament injury after a tackle when he slipped away on the ankle; no surgery [is needed] so it’s not that bad.
“Moritz is already five or six days into his rehab. They are both expected to return at the end of January, so they will be out for about four weeks so we will have to wait.
“It’s far from ideal because they are both important for our rhythm and possession so it is a big blow.”
Jamal Lewis was subbed late on against Forest for more than tactical reasons with Farke revealing that our only recognised left-back will miss the next three games with a hamstring problem.
“In addition, we will also have to play the next three games without Jamal because he has a muscle strain in his hamstring,” said Farke.
“We expect to have him back after the West Brom game and we have a bit of hope for him to return for that game so we will see. He has been crucial for us over the past weeks.”
There was some positive news regarding Kenny McLean, Louis Thompson, Christoph Zimmermann and Carlton Morris though.
McLean has been back in training for a couple of weeks, made two appearances for the U23s and is being pencilled in for an FA Cup return to the squad against Portsmouth on 5th January.
Both Morris (ACL) and Thompson (Dislocated shoulder) are training but both aren’t using a ball yet as they recover from serious injuries.
Christoph Zimmermann looks as though he will be available for the visit of Derby County though, after feeling ill during the warm-up against Forest.
Blimey, it’s not looking great is it? These issues will test the strength in depth of the squad and I’m keeping everything crossed that we don’t pick up any other injuries. I’d advise you, and everyone you know of a Canary persuasion, to do the same.
You can read more at Canaries.co.uk
OTBC