Guessing game for Moritz Leitner and Philip Heise at Norwich City

The German duo are fit and available for the Canaries’ Championship run-in, which continues against Bristol City on Saturday, but the form of Farke’s starting line up could ensure they have to bide their time.

Leitner made his long-awaited comeback at Bolton last weekend in a late cameo from the bench but Farke was more than happy with the likes of Tom Trybull and Kenny McLean in central midfield.

Mario Vrancic has also made a rapid recovery from an ankle injury while Alex Tettey (ankle) is expected to re-join full training next week.

“Moritz could start but on the other hand we have to be aware he was out for maybe three and a half months and he has lost a bit as a result,” said the City head coach. “If there was an emergency and we have injured midfielders or bad performances then he is an option but it is a nice situation because the lads who have come in have had good performances.

Mario Vrancic is back in the mix after an ankle injury Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd (Image: Paul Chesterton)

“This means we can handle his return in a sensible way and not give him too much load.”

January deadline day signing Heise has spent the past few weeks getting to know his new surroundings.

“His only problem, if you want to call it that, is Jamal Lewis is outstanding in his position,” said Farke. “When you are not a homegrown and you are not in the starting line up it is hard to be in the squad.

“I got the feeling in the first two weeks he needed a bit of time to adapt to all the players. It is not easy when you come into a different country and a different language and the side is sitting top of the table.

“The trip to Preston was crucial. He had to be there with all the lads for 24 hours a day and you could see this in the training. It also allowed the lads to realise why we have signed him because he is training on a proper level.

“I must say I am very happy with him.”