Norwich City conclude an away double-header against rejuvenated Preston North End at Deepdale tonight.
The Canaries recorded a 1-1 draw against Stoke on Saturday, and will add to their miles with a hefty journey to Lancashire to face Paul Heckingbottom‘s men.
Johannes Hoff Thorup will be tasked with finding a midfield solution to Marcelino Nunez‘s absence after he limped out of Saturday’s draw. The hamstring injury, which also saw him withdraw from international duty, is likely to rule him out of the next two matches.
That will open the door to either Oscar Schwartau, Amankwah Forson or another alternative solution to fill the void in the Chilean’s absence.
Jacob Sorensen is expected to return to the matchday squad tonight after a foot injury which has ruled him out since the opening day defeat to Oxford.
Angus Gunn‘s side strain is expected to keep him sidelined for the matches this week with a return for next month’s trip to Cardiff possible. That will offer another opportunity to deputy shot-stopper George Long to fill in between the sticks.
Christian Fassnacht is poised to return to training next week. Ashley Barnes, Onel Hernandez, Liam Gibbs and Tony Springett remain sidelined.
Preston have stabilised under the management of former Canaries loanee Heckingbottom, who succeeded Ryan Lowe in August. Their form has drastically improved since, with the Lilywhites taking seven points from a possible nine and conceding none in that period.
In his opening 10 games in charge, North End have won four, drawn four and lost only twice – they remain unbeaten at Deepdale since the former Sheffield United and Leeds United boss’ arrival.
Preston are without Brad Potts, who joined Will Keane on the treatment table after sustaining an injury in their recent outing at Burnley. Club captain Ben Whiteman is back from his suspension.
German defender Patrick Bauer is out after surgery on his elbow whilst former Norwich loanne Ched Evans is also set to miss the reunion with his old club through injury.
Norwich have lost just one of the last seven meetings between the teams in all competitions, with Gabriel Sara’s late strike in April securing a 1-0 win during their last visit to Deepdale.
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