Norwich city have been hit by another COVID positive test result ahead of their fourth round FA Cup tie at Barnsley this afternoon, with the news that Kenny McLean has tested COVID positive.
Can confirm that I have returned a positive COVID test result this morning and that I'm now self-isolating in line with the guidlines. I only have minor symptoms at the moment, but it's an important reminder that everyone should follow all of the rules. Stay safe everyone pic.twitter.com/Gmtsf3jXaQ
— Kenny McLean (@kennymclean66) January 22, 2021
The news came on Friday ahead of Daniel Farke’s usual pre-match press conference and considering the form that Kenny has been in over the last month or so, it’s a bit of a blow. It does however, mean that someone else will get a chance to shine and to be fair, Kenny may have been given a rest in the Cup anyway.
As usual, our man from the Vital Norwich Forum, FC Bears was watching the video press conference and here’s his take on what was discussed:
DF might make some changes:
“We need some fresh energy and recovered legs on the pitch. There are a few players after long-term injuries who need minutes.
The most important topic is that we are there with a strong starting line-up without risking injuries.”
All out
Christoph Zimmermann
Teemu Pukki
Todd Cantwell
Adam Idah
Xavi Quintilla
Kenny McLean positive for COVID, so out too
Mumba is able to play but will probably not make it to 90 minutes.
🗣 DF: Bali Mumba returned yesterday to team training after isolation. Idah is finishing his rehab process and we expect him to be back in full training next week. Xavi has much improved but has to be patient.#NCFC pic.twitter.com/yJayC5IhQ2
— Norwich City FC (@NorwichCityFC) January 22, 2021
🗣 DF: This game comes too early for Pukki and Zimmermann. Sadly, Cantwell has back problems so we'll play without him.#NCFC pic.twitter.com/YGPkPCnTaF
— Norwich City FC (@NorwichCityFC) January 22, 2021
All three of Pukki, Zimmermann and Cantwell will hopefully return for the visit of Middlesbrough next week.
DF did say that Barden was his cup GK but now says that Krul will probably play tomorrow.
He also said don’t get excited by Sebastian Soto, he is here for the U23 side – I would rather he was out on loan than play for our u23s but they have a round a week to look at him and see how he trains. I imagine that a loan for either Soto or Omotoye, probably the latter, is on the cards.
“We have signed Sebastian Soto for our Under-23s . We won’t get over excited with him but everything is possible. We don’t want to put too much pressure on his shoulders.”
I would go:
Barden
Mumba
Omobamidele
Gibson
Sorensen
Tettey
Rupp
Placheta
Dowell
Hernandez
Hugill
Subs
McCraken
Aarons
Hanley
Omotoye
Martin
McAlear
Dickson-Peters
Vrancic
Skipp
I do think though, that Tim Krul will start the game, something that DF hinted heavily. He has, after all, only just returned from injury and then testing COVID positive. He could probably do with another game to help with match sharpness, after a few weeks out.
OTBC