David Wagner refuses to take any risks with Norwich City's 'thin' squad as they attempt to get themselves over the Championship play-off finish line. 

Josh Sargent and Liam Gibbs were replaced with fitness issues during their draw with Sheffield Wednesday, and Shane Duffy was dropped to the bench after reporting fatigue from their victory over Ipswich Town at the weekend. 

With players like Jonny Rowe, Jacob Sorensen, Onel Hernandez and Dimi Giannoulis all missing through injury, it has led Wagner to include academy players in matchday squads and training sessions. 

Striker Sydney van Hooijdonk, who joined City on loan from Serie A side Bologna in January, and youngsters Ken Aboh and Finley Welch have been named on the bench but have been unused substitutes in the last four matches. 

Wagner has warned of the risks of carrying a lighter squad after sporting director Ben Knapper opted to streamline it in January, and the City boss explained how the increased load on fewer players is putting stress on City's frontline operators. 

"This is the real problem that we have - that we can't take any risks with our players at the minute," Wagner said after their 2-2 draw with Sheffield Wednesday.

"Obviously, you've seen the teamsheet in the last four or five weeks, and the players that we have with us are talented and young, but they need their time as well.

"This is why a lot of players have to play a lot of minutes; even if this is the case, we have to be very careful because we need the players, not only for one game—we need them for hopefully a few more.

"This is a risk that I always warned (against), but the decision was made to go with such a thin squad, and I have to accept it." 

The Pink Un: Josh Sargent was replaced on the hour mark of their 2-2 draw with Sheffield Wednesday.Josh Sargent was replaced on the hour mark of their 2-2 draw with Sheffield Wednesday. (Image: Matt Wilkinson/Focus Images Ltd)

Despite the quick turnaround and need to manage several players' workloads after a period of three games in eight days, Wagner has refused to make any changes or tweaks to their schedule as attentions turn to Saturday's clash with Preston. 

"No, we have the same routine like we always had in the past when you have such a short turnaround," City's boss said.

"It is nothing new to have a midweek game, the difference is that we had a quite busy Easter period beforehand, it's the end of the season and we don't have a lot of players available - this is the difference. But we will go again on Saturday."