Johannes Hoff Thorup guaranteed to be without six Norwich City players for Leeds United test

-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Norwich City have suffered a defensive blow on the eve of their Championship clash against Leeds United. Former Aston Villa youngster Ben Chrisene suffered concussion in Saturday's thrilling win away to Derby County.

Chrisene was a second half substitute at Pride Park Stadium, coming on for Ante Crnac in the 77th minute. "He suffered a mild concussion at the end of the game, so we just have to follow the protocol," said Canaries head coach Johannes Hoff Thorup, whose side are currently 10th in the table. "We will rule him out for the next two games, 12 days in total."

Experienced forward Ashley Barnes remains sidelined by an Achilles problem. "He's back in his boot, which is frustrating for him," he said. "He wants to be around the group and he's great for the changing room. For him it's a tough moment, because we can't given him a date for returning to play. We cannot really say."

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Jacob Sørensen and Christian Fassnacht are set to resume training after the international break. Onel Hernandez and Liam Gibbs are long-term absentees.

After United, the Canaries welcome Hull City to Carrow Road on Saturday. Hoff Thorup said: "They are two good teams; we have to do everything we can with the players that we have available and are ready for the game.

"When you play three games in a week, you have to think about rotation. I think we are in an okay place, the changes we can make will give us something different."

Tomorrow will be the third time Daniel Farke has returned to Carrow Road since leaving the Canaries in 2021. "I can feel he (Farke) is a figure that a lot of people still talk about here," he said. "To win two championships and to be promoted to the Premier League, and also with a way and a style that was entertaining and the fans appreciated that.

“I can definitely feel that. I hope they will appreciate that and show him great respect but hopefully we can give them a tough fight. We are in a place where it is realistic to go into this game and expect we can put in a strong performance.

“Obviously, I don't know him, so I've never played against him. I haven't really crossed paths. He's a great coach, and what he did here was fantastic. I appreciate that he’ll get the respect that he deserves, and I think, and I hope people can show him that respect. I will make sure that we don't respect his team that much when the game starts. That’s my job.”