Norwich City manager, Daniel Wagner, has received a boost with the return of club captain Grant Hanley to full team training after a long absence due to a serious Achilles injury. Hanley’s recovery is ahead of schedule, with initial fears that he could be sidelined until next year. Although Wagner does not expect Hanley to be available for immediate selection, he is optimistic about having him back in the defensive lineup in the coming weeks and months. Wagner praised Hanley’s progress and expressed his delight at seeing him back with the team. Hanley will require several more weeks of training and some games with the under-21s before returning to regular first-team action.
Wagner also provided updates on injured strikers Ashley Barnes and Josh Sargent. He stated that it is too early to predict the severity of Sargent’s injury, but estimated a timeline of Christmas and the New Year for his return. On the other hand, Barnes’ recovery is progressing well, and there is a possibility that he could be ready to play in the game against Cardiff on November 11, just before the international break. Wagner acknowledged that while it is a slight chance, he would not rule out Barnes’ participation. If he is not able to make it for that match, he is expected to return after the November international break. Wagner emphasized that these timelines are targets and cannot be accurately predicted, but he is hopeful for a quick recovery for both players.
Overall, the return of Grant Hanley to full team training is a positive development for Norwich City. His quick recovery from a serious injury will provide a much-needed boost to the team’s defensive options. Although he still needs some more weeks of training and game time with the under-21s, Wagner is optimistic about his progress so far. Additionally, Wagner provided updates on injured strikers Ashley Barnes and Josh Sargent. While Sargent’s injury timeline is estimated to be until Christmas and the New Year, Barnes’ recovery is going well, and there is a chance he could be available for the match against Cardiff before the international break. If not, he is expected to return after the November international break. Wagner expressed his cautious optimism regarding their recoveries and emphasized that these timelines are targets and could change.
