Norwich attacker Josh Sargent is nearing a return from a recent ankle injury, however the Canaries head coach confirmed that Saturday’s game against Manchester United will be too soon.
Sargent sprained his ankle in the training leading up to their April 2 game against Brighton & Hove Albion, and has missed their two subsequent contests, where the team took four points.
The sprain was severe enough to force him to wear a protective boot in the time since suffering the injury, however the team had given no firm timeline for his return.
While Norwich head coach Dean Smith confirmed that the 19-times capped USMNT forward is progressing in his recovery and will resume some form of training next week, any hopes of hin seeing the field in their upcoming game against Manchester United were put to rest.
“He’s out of the boot but the [Manchester United] game is too early for him,” Smith confirmed in his pre-game comments on Friday.
“He has not actually trained at all yet,” Smith continued, adding, “he has just had the boot off and he will start his rehab this week.”
Norwich are looking set for relegation, currently occupying last place in the Premier League, and needing to make up a seven-point gap to reach safety. The 22 year-old has been a consistent starter in Smith’s squads when healthy, contributing two goals and an assist mostly from the wing since mid-January.
Norwich will kick off against United, who are desperately trying to climb into the Champions League places, on Saturday afternoon in Old Trafford.
