David Wagner has revealed Josh Sargent should be fine to face Sunderland tomorrow afternoon. Norwich City’s top goalscorer has missed the previous three fixtures with an ankle injury.
In that time, the Canaries have earned three fixtures - scoring a combined eight goals - proving Sargent is not as indispensable as first imagined. Nevertheless, the 11-goal striker’s return provides a boost to Norwich as they aim to cement a play-off place.
City boss Wagner confirmed the American is raring to go ahead of the Sunderland clash. However, several other absentees are not expected to return this weekend.
READ MORE: Tony Mowbray sets out what Pierre Ekwah needs to do before he is ready for Sunderland's starting XI
"He (Sargent) is fully in contention,” Wagner said at his pre-match press conference. “He's trained for the last couple of sessions with the team. They (images of Gabriel Sara training) were pictures from early in the week. Gabby was ill and didn't train Monday or Tuesday but has been in since then.
"Jonny Rowe is also in training; he will take a little bit longer. So will Sam (Byram), I see him every day, he's working hard but I don't want to put a time frame on it."
Wagner also refused to read too much into the Black Cats’ 5-1 drubbing against Stoke City last weekend. Sunderland’s worst performances under Tony Mowbray raised eyebrows across the Championship - but the German insisted they still present a difficult challenge.
"A very good footballing team,” he added. “They like to dominate the ball, they play good technical football. They have a young squad, a lot of energy. Before the last three games, they were challenging and in the top six.
"We won't look at their recent results, we know they have a good team. We need to make a special atmosphere, everybody needs to know and feel that we have a chance to make it four wins in a row."
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