The standout headline from Daniel Farke`s Colney presser on Friday lunchtime was that James Maddison has a hamstring problem, which could keep him out.
The young midfielder is the name on the lips of the football world at the moment and his performances this season have been nothing short of sensational. The fact he`s won the supporter voted for “Player of the month” award for the last four months in a row tells you all you need to know.
“We have some problems with James” Farke told the Pink ‘Un
“We were really concerned at the start of the week because he had some problems in his hamstring. He did not train Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.
“He returned to team training on Friday and we hope there is no reaction overnight. It looked good in training but it will be a late decision. We did a scan and we think it might be related to his back. There was no blood in the muscle or any concern that he is out for several weeks.
“He is just a little bit tight and stiff and we don`t want to take any risks. It was much better on Friday. If he is not available for this game our supporters do not have to be concerned that he has used the transfer window for a move to China. He is still a member of our squad.”
Anyway, should he not make it then the good news is that we do have Moritz Leitner, Marcus Edwards and of course, Wes Hoolahan, who has recovered from his back trouble and trained all week.
Leitner was the player put forward to speak to the media and that is nearly always an indication that a player will be involved. So, Maddison on the bench and Leitner to start?
Timm Klose has been suffering from blisters on his heel but should be available and Tom Trybull has trained all week, so will be ready if called upon.
Ivo Pinto is still out after his bizarre injury getting out of his car last week, so Harrison Reed will probably get the chance to show off his impressive full back impression at Carrow Road for the first time.
Other than that, almost everyone else is available, with the obvious exceptions of Louis Thompson and Matt Jarvis.
Speaking of “The Glassman” though, Jarvis is on the verge of a return to first team training – I know! He could start back with the squad as early as next week.
With Edwards, Onel Hernandez and Dennis Srbeny all having trained this week, it could be that we see a few more of the new boys too. That`s exciting stuff and I love to see new players make their debuts.
Fingers crossed.
OTBC