Norwich City is facing a significant setback as they prepare to host Leeds United in an upcoming match. The team, which has been performing well under the guidance of their new manager Johannes Hoff Thorup, recently secured a thrilling 3-2 victory against Derby County. However, their momentum has been dampened by the loss of two crucial players, Onel Hernandez and Liam Gibbs, both of whom are expected to be sidelined until December due to injuries.
The extent of Gibbs’ injury became apparent after he was absent from Norwich’s recent triumph over Watford. Subsequent medical examinations revealed the severity of his condition, prompting Thorup to express his disappointment to local media outlet Pink Un. The manager lamented the situation, noting that Gibbs would require approximately 10 weeks for recovery. This news is particularly disheartening as Gibbs, although not a regular starter, was poised to compete for a more prominent role in the team. Thorup praised Gibbs’ abilities, particularly his physical prowess and stamina, emphasizing the player’s importance to the squad.
In a cruel twist of fate, Hernandez finds himself in a similar predicament. The winger’s injury occurred during a brief substitute appearance against Watford, where he was forced to exit the game after only seven minutes due to a hamstring issue. Thorup confirmed that Hernandez’s recovery timeline mirrors that of Gibbs, estimating around 10 weeks before his return. The manager expressed surprise at the severity of Hernandez’s injury, given its seemingly minor nature during the match. He explained that the decision to substitute Hernandez promptly was initially thought to be a precautionary measure, but in hindsight, proved to be a crucial call given the extent of the damage.
As Norwich grapples with these significant absences, they are set to face Leeds United, led by former Norwich manager Daniel Farke. Leeds arrives at Carrow Road in fine form, seeking to build upon their recent successes. The fixture rekindles memories of last season’s dramatic encounters between the two sides, where Leeds emerged victorious in the play-offs, only to fall short against Southampton in the final. This upcoming match promises to be an intriguing battle, with Norwich aiming to overcome their injury setbacks and Leeds looking to capitalize on their current momentum.