Emi Buendia is a game changer for Norwich City but the Argentine will need time to move through the gears after a lengthy injury and suspension lay-off.

Buendia’s return to fitness could not be better timed with Kieran Dowell ruled out following ankle surgery earlier this week, after his own groin and shin issues, following on from a suspension for his Burnley red card at the end of last season.

The attacking midfielder is available for Sunday’s Championship trip to Bournemouth, but Farke is urging caution.

“We don’t need to speak about his quality or potential. I love this guy because he can be a game changer,” said the City boss.

“Fully focused he is an outstanding player on this level. But he is only back in training so I am keen not to expect the world.

“This is not Playstation. He has been out for a few weeks. You have to make sure he is ready.

“It is never about one player, whether it is Teemu’s goals or Tim’s saves or Emi’s assists. Last season we struggled with many injuries in the defence. Now at the start of this season the offensive side was not perfect.

“But I feel we are better prepared, in terms of the quality and numbers.”

Fellow midfielder Jacob Sorensen is unavailable after picking up a knee problem.

The Dane was on course to be part of Farke’s plans on the south-coast for the first time as he strives to turn up the heat on Kenny McLean and Ollie Skipp.

But the holding midfielder is now expected to be out for ‘four to five’ days after suffering a training ground niggle.

“He has a little strain in his inner ligament of his knee. Nothing too serious,” said Farke, on his summer signing. “He did this on Wednesday and missed the last two days (of training). It is more a question of four or five days.

“We had it scanned and it is nothing serious.

“We hope he comes back into our thoughts for Derby at home. It has been an unlucky start.

“He went away with his country and didn’t get any minutes over the international break and now this when he was looking sharp and perhaps would have made his first matchday squad. But hopefully that is all the bad luck out of the way early.”