AliousNorwich City Dealt Major Blow as Key Striker Ashley Barnes Ruled Out of Leeds United Playoff Tie
Norwich City’s hopes of reaching the Championship playoff final have suffered a setback with the news that influential striker Ashley Barnes will miss both legs of the crucial semifinal clash against Leeds United due to injury.
Barnes, 34, has been a vital cog in the Canaries’ attack this season, making 30 league appearances and contributing 6 goals and 5 assists. His physicality and link-up play have caused numerous problems for opposition defenses.
The veteran forward’s absence will be sorely felt by manager David Wagner as he looks to guide Norwich past their playoff rivals Leeds, against whom they’ve won both league meetings this campaign.
Brazilian midfielder Gabriel Sara could be deployed in a more advanced role to fill the void left by Barnes. Sara has impressed with double figures for goals and assists from midfield this term.
While Leeds will be relieved to avoid Barnes’ menacing presence, Wagner’s men still boast enough quality to trouble the Yorkshire club over the two legs, starting at Carrow Road.
Norwich will lean heavily on home support in the first leg as they target an advantage ahead of the daunting return fixture at Elland Road with a playoff final berth at stake.
Though lacking their talismanic striker, the Canaries will back themselves to upset the odds and book a Wembley date, having already defeated Leeds twice en route to a 6th-placed finish.
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