David Cuffley Norwich City defender Jens Berthel Askou faces at least another six weeks on the sidelines.The Danish centre-back has missed three matches since suffering a foot injury in the 3-3 draw at Yeovil three weeks ago.

David Cuffley

Norwich City defender Jens Berthel Askou faces at least another six weeks on the sidelines.

The Danish centre-back has missed three matches since suffering a foot injury in the 3-3 draw at Yeovil three weeks ago.

Manager Paul Lambert today revealed that 27-year-old Askou had a broken metatarsal.

“The metatarsal is a strange bone to break. It could be six weeks, it could be a bit longer. It just depends how that bone heals,” said Lambert.

Gary Doherty, back from a one-match suspension, and Michael Nelson look set to play in the centre of defence at Wycombe Wanderers tomorrow (3pm).

Darel Russell has shaken off a hamstring problem and is set to play in midfield after being substituted at half-time in the Boxing Day victory over Millwall, while Korey Smith, who would have been involved in the game at Walsall but for Monday's postponement, is also fit after a thigh strain.

Midfielder Stephen Hughes is unlikely to figure, however. He played an hour against the Lions but aggravated a calf problem.

“Korey is fine and Rusty seems to be doing really fine,” said Lambert. “Stephen is doubtful. He's got a wee knock on his calf that's giving him a bit of concern, so we just have to see how he is.”

Michael Spillane, out since October with a hamstring injury, is still “two or three weeks away” but goalkeeper Declan Rudd (knee injury) and midfielder Owain Tudur Jones (groin injury) returned to training yesterday.

Tomorrow's game against Lambert's former club, at Adams Park, is the last before the end of loan spells for defender Russell Martin and forward Anthony McNamee, but City hope to tie up permanent deals for both players now the January transfer window is open.

“We're talking with their respective clubs at the minute and we will try to see what we can do,” said Lambert.

“Russell's come in and done great. Anthony is a bit different because it's hard to get into our side at the minute but he's been great in training so I don't have a problem.

“We need a group of lads, not just 12 or 13 people. We need a group to win us games. The squad is as important as the team.”