Video
No early return for injured City trio
Norwich City defender Sam Byram has undergone two hamstring operations since an early exit againt Premier League champions Liverpool Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
Daniel Farke is not banking on any early Christmas presents with the fitness of a key trio for Norwich City.
Sam Byram, Onel Hernandez and Kieran Dowell remain on the sidelines, with the City boss confirming at Colney on Monday afternoon Dowell is the closest to a possible return but not before the end of the year.
Byram has undergone two hamstring operations since an impressive debut season was cut short against Premier League champions Liverpool. While flying winger Hernandez (adductor) and summer signing Dowell (ankle) had promising starts to the new season cut short.
“I don’t think before Christmas,” said Farke. “With Sam we have to monitor him very closely because he has been out since February. If you take too much risk it can cause problems.
“Onel still feels some pain after his surgery.
You may also want to watch:
“He is doing some rehab work but still far away from returning to the pitch. A few steps from running. Kieran is starting to run a bit, but I don’t expect him to be a topic before Christmas.”
Farke’s immediate priority is Millwall’s Championship visit on Tuesday night.
Most Read
- 1 PRESSER LIVE: Luton Town v Norwich City
- 2 FARKE: Full roll call on City's injured stars
- 3 Limited number of tickets left for fans ahead of Wednesday and Forest matches
- 4 Through troubled waters to unexpected success - Farke reflects on spell as City boss
- 5 IN FULL: Norwich City's unprecedented injury list
- 6 Di Cunningham: Young talent will not be hindered under Farke and Webber's watch
- 7 Chris Goreham: The school field trip that Zimmermann could do without
- 8 'I want to create history' - Farke reveals mission to build a legacy at Norwich City
- 9 Norwich City kick-off times changed due to TV coverage
- 10 Canaries drawn to face Coventry City at Carrow Road in FA Cup third round
The City chief confirmed Xavi Quintilla remains out and Kenny McLean is a fresh doubt for the Lions’ visit. On the plus side, both Christoph Zimmermann and Josh Martin are in contention.
“Kenny has a bit of a stiff back,” said Farke. “He wasn’t able to train on Sunday. It improved overnight and he felt much better (on Monday) so we will have to make a late decision. Sadly Xavi is still out. He is doing individual work on the pitch but not in team training so I can’t involve him.
“Christoph is available, and the same with Josh. Christoph has been back in team training four days and Josh since Sunday. But they are not an option to start.”
