How close is Lewis after elbow injury?

Norwich City fans could get a huge clue about Jamal Lewis' fitness today - courtesy of his Northern Ireland team boss.

Lewis is the latest in the long line of players who are filling the treatment rooms at Colney.

The left back suffered an elbow injury after falling awkwardly during the second half of City's 2-0 defeat at Crystal Palace last weekend, although he was pictured leaving the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital without a sling the following day. Farke had initially been fearful the injury could leave Lewis facing a prolonged spell on the sidelines.

He remains a major doubt for Saturday's encounter against Aston Villa, although supporters could be given a steer as to the extent of the injury today, when Michael O'Neill is expected to announce his Northern Ireland squad for the upcoming international fixtures against the Netherlands and Czech Republic.

Philip Heise represented the Canaries at Crawley Town for the second time this season Picture: PAUL CHESTERTON/FOCUS IMAGES (Image: ©Focus Images Limitedwww.focus-images.co.uk+447814 482222)

Farke's philosophy places an onus on the full-backs to be dynamic, offensive contributors who supply the width.

Without Lewis, Farke would have to seek a solution, with left-back Philip Heise a contender for the position should Lewis' injury keep him out of the game. Heise, who joined City from Dynamo Dresden on deadline day in January, is yet to make a league start for the Canaries but did feature in their loss to Crawley Town in the EFL Cup in August.

The German returned to the Broadfield Stadium on Tuesday, helping City's U21 side conquer the League Two outfit in the EFL Trophy as one of the overaged players permitted to play in that competition.

His contribution included striking a free-kick that was parried onto the bar and teeing up defender Jamie Lomas to score from 20 yards to ensure the win.

Could Max Aarons become a make-shift left-back if Jamal Lewis absence. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd (Image: Paul Chesterton)

Heise's involvement could have been a dress rehearsal for Saturday or merely a mission for minutes to improve his match fitness, but with Lewis' condition unknown, supporters will be joining the dots to draw their own conclusions.

Farke could opt to convert Max Aarons into a make-shift left-back as was seen in the League Cup last season, where the young right-back featured in that position against Stevenage and Cardiff before being rewarded with his senior debut at Portman Road in the East Anglian Derby.