Main man Tettey has still got it

Alex Tettey remains the ‘main man’ at Norwich City. 

The long-serving Canaries’ stalwart made his first start since July in the midweek 3-2 Championship win at Stoke City. 

Olly Skipp and Lukas Rupp have emerged as the first choice central midfield duo but an on going hamstring issue for Rupp opened the door. 

Tettey is in prime position to retain his place on Saturday against Coventry City at Carrow Road. 

“After the game at Stoke I had the sense his performance was reliable and solid but when I watched it back I think I have to rate it even higher,” said Farke. “His positioning was top class, especially when you keep in mind his lack of football.

"He has not played in the starting line-up for several months. He was important for our game and he had a good partnership with Oliver Skipp.  

“When he is not playing he is important to hold the pressure high on the starters, also for the spirit and leadership in the dressing room.

"That is why I always tell him he is one of our main men. He is fantastic. When I need him most, like at Stoke, he was outstanding.

"I keep joking with Oliver despite him being praised if we don’t keep winning games I can always bring in Alex.” 

Farke has a major selection dilemma at the sharp end of the pitch with Teemu Pukki joining Adam Idah and Jordan Hugill on the sidelines.

Pukki is touch and go for the upcoming midweek trip to Luton Town with a minor hamstring injury. 

The City head coach had to again underline yesterday Swiss international Josip Drmic is not in his immediate plans despite no recognised senior striker available for the Sky Blues’ visit. 

Drmic, along with Moritz Leitner and Tom Trbyull, were deemed surplus to requirements before the season started but there could still be a reprieve for the experienced frontman. 

“He went to Switzerland for some treatment on a minor problem when he was training with our development squad,” said Farke. “So when he returned he has to self isolate, have two negative coronavirus tests, and then he would need to train with the group.

"If we had a longer term injury with Teemu or Jordan, and we were still in trouble in two or three weeks, then he could be an option. 

“No other club in Europe has three main striker options unavailable. If Bayern Munich or Manchester City had no strikers they would be in trouble.

"You cannot plan for this. When you play with one striker you cannot have eight in the squad and keep them all happy.”