Grant Hanley, the Norwich City center-back, is still recovering from an Achilles injury that ended his season last April. He has yet to make an appearance for the Canaries this season due to the seriousness of his injury and his importance to the team. Despite Norwich’s struggling defensive record, head coach David Wagner is not rushing Hanley back into action.
Hanley will have a 45-minute run out in a development game against Stoke City on Monday to continue his rehabilitation process. However, Wagner is not planning on including him in the first team until after the upcoming November international break. He believes that Hanley’s injury was too serious to rush his return and that the defender is too important to risk further damage. Despite the team’s recent poor results, Wagner is confident in his plan and the progress that Hanley has made.
Wagner wants Hanley to have proper training and game time in the under-21s before reintegrating him into the first team. He believes that this gradual approach will ensure that Hanley fully recovers from his injury and is in good shape by November. The coach is pleased to have Hanley back in the dressing room and training, but he wants to stick to the plan that has been set out for the player’s recovery.
Wagner acknowledges that it is not the best period for the team and that they would like to have Hanley’s leadership and personality on the pitch. However, he emphasizes that rushing his return does not make sense and could jeopardize his long-term recovery. The medical and rehab departments, along with Hanley himself, have done an excellent job in his rehabilitation, and he is ahead of schedule. Despite the team’s defensive struggles, Wagner is prioritizing Hanley’s well-being and is confident that he will be in good shape after the international break.
