Daniel Farke is expecting positive news on the Norwich City injury front after the international break.
City’s boss delivered a gloomy injury bulletin ahead of the Canaries 1-0 victory over Swansea City at Carrow Road, compounded by the news by Grant Hanley and Max Aarons have pulled out from their international squads.
Defender Ben Gibson missed the game with tightness in his back, meaning Christoph Zimmermann partnered Grant Hanley in the heart of City’s defence.
Influential midfielder Lukas Rupp also missed the encounter due to a hamstring injury. Todd Cantwell has also been absent owed to an ankle injury but the international break gives the creative midfielder time to recover ahead of another congested block of fixtures.
However, the trio trained the day before the Swans’ fixture but Farke didn’t want to take unnecessary risks on those players.
“Nothing to worry about,” said Farke. “We got the feeling it was too big a risk. Ben Gibson was on the training pitch and able to train on Friday but too big a risk.
“The same with Lukas Rupp. They felt some muscular pain. Right now we can calm them down. No question they are available for the next game. Todd was also involved on Friday but that was his first day back in seven or eight days.”
Squad depth will be critical for the Canaries, especially considering they have a plethora of players currently jetting off on international duty.
Kenny McLean and Zimmermann came in for those unavailable against Swansea City, something that Farke believes shows the embarrassment of riches he has available to him this season.
“After a few days of recovery I expect all three to be available for the second week of the international break.
“It was a necessary decision going forward and thankfully it paid off with the lads who came in, Christoph and Kenny, doing their part to get us over the line. Mario won us more or less two games, now Marco steps up. I am pretty delighted with our spirit and togetherness.”
Xavi Quintilla will continue to be assessed, whilst Kieran Dowell, Sam Byram and Onel Hernandez remain absent as they recover from long-term injuries.
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