I think this could be a game that would suit Vrancic. Maybe get him in?
Daniel Farke’s Norwich City injury nightmare continues apace with the news that Teemu Pukki now has a slight hamstring strain. It’s enough to keep him out of the Coventry game and possibly the Luton game too.
On Friday lunchtime, Farke spoke to the media via video and as usual, Vital Norwich Forum stalwart, FC Bears was watching…
Coventry have a goalkeeping injury crisis as well at the moment and Mark Robins has said he needs to go into the free market to get a new Keeper. Lee Camp signed a two month deal on Friday afternoon.
Their number one, Marko Marosi is out for our game after a facial injury.
All the players who were out for the Stoke game are out for tomorrow apart from Luka Rupp who is fit and will most likely play.
Pukki could be out for two weeks.
This injury crisis is awful. However Farke says ‘Some good news is Stiepermann is fit’.
Krul
Xavi
Byram
Mumba
McLean
Cantwell
Hernandez
Pukki
Hugill
Idah
Dowell
Oxborough
What a list! All are out injured.
DF says he could cry about the injuries but he won’t. Players will have to adapt to new roles to help out.
He says that tomorrow we will have to really work hard to dig out a result.
Plus Hanley, Gibson, Rupp, Emi, Zimmermann, Placheta, Martin, Stiepermann have all had injuries this season that have kept them out.
DF on Drmic:
‘Josip Drmic is not an option. He would need to self-isolate and then he would need to train with the team. So it might be an option if we are still in trouble in two or three weeks, but we hope that Jordan and Teemu will return soon. ‘
Number one goalkeeper is out.
No left back.
One fit right back.
Number one forward is out.
No recognised first team forwards.
Down to two wingers.
One attacking midfielder.
Crazy!
DF says we will play differently with McGovern in goal – I guess that means we will not play out from the back as much.
DF says Tettey is one of our most important players…….along with McLean.
We are down to just twelve fit first teamers. Expect a smaller bench but some seats filled by youngsters.
I don’t like this ‘long to midterm’ rubbish. If we have no forwards then play one of the younger lads.
DF says we have two young forwards in and around the first team but they are for the long term and not now so they might be on the bench but not going push them – we have players who can fill in upfront.
So that sounds like Stiepermann or Placheta. While two young lads who are forwards will sit on the bench.
DF says that to play without the best striker, best keeper and the most creative winger in the league is going to be tough but I trust all my players – to fill in.
You could go with a different formation like 5-3-1-1 and that would cut out the issue of no Emi Buendia but it does mean sacrificing Josh Martin, who I think should start.
DF – ‘It is the best option (Marco Stiepermann up front), but it is like Josh (Martin) and Placheta. It leaves us problems elsewhere. I am tempted to play as many players in their best positions. It is tricky at the moment, but we will need to go for one option and hope that it is the right one.’
God, that is the best option! That is scary.
DF confirms Krul is out for at least three weeks.
Stiepermann upfront – Strewth!
Apparently Tyrese Omotoye has not been training because of an injury……..of course he hasn’t.
DF labelled Omotoye as the most talented player in the academy.
Stiepermann doesn’t run, header or track back, maybe best to just have him upfront on his own but others will have to work extra hard.
I think it will be:
McGovern
Aarons
Hanley
Gibson
Sorensen
Tettey
Skipp
Placheta
Rupp
Martin
Stiepermann
(I think out of nine subs DF will only pick six or seven)
Subs
Barden – Vrancic – McAlear – Dickson Peters – Zimmermann – Omotoye (If fit enough) – ? – ? – ?