Daniel Farke could be made to sweat over the fitness of some of his key players a week before the start of the new Championship season as they head off on international duty.
The Canaries kick-off their league campaign on September 12, just a week after a full round of international fixtures which will potentially see nine first-team players representing their countries.
Farke’s squad begin pre-season preparations at Colney next Monday - with friendlies planned behind closed doors to help improve the squad’s match fitness.
City’s new additions will also link up with the squad for the first time, including winger Przemyslaw Placheta who joined from Polish first division side Slask Wroclaw last month.
The rapid winger has been capped at under-21 level for his country, but Poland boss Jerzy Brzeczek could reward the 22-year-old with his first cap for the senior team after a sparkling season with Slask.
“There are so many young talented players who are sending a good message to our coach Brzeczek. I think that Karbownik and Placheta have a big chance for call-up to the next games in Nations League,” Polish FA vice-president Marek Kozminski told Polish outlet Interia Sport.
Scottish duo Grant Hanley and Kenny McLean could also be absent as Scotland face Israel and Czech Republic. Teemu Pukki could also be in action for Finland in early September.
Tim Krul could also face Placheta for the Netherlands in September if Ronald Koeman decides to reward City’s keeper with a return to the side. The 32-year-old was named in the squad prior to lockdown.
Danel Sinani, Jamal Lewis, Michael McGovern and Josip Drmic could all play for their countries prior to City kicking off their Championship campaign.
England Under-21s play two Euro U21 qualifiers - with Max Aarons in contention for a call-up. Bali Mumba’s schedule would be the most intense - with the 18-year-old playing three matches in a week for England’s U19 if selected.
It remains to be seen whether City’s international representatives will need to abide by the 14-day quarantine regulations should they visit a country exempt from the travel corridors as outlined by the government. Players have been tested regularly since the return of football in late-June.
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