Norwich City manager David Wagner has delivered an injury update on two of his most-crucial players ahead of the second leg against Leeds United at Elland Road on Thursday night.
Leeds have given themselves a slight advantage going into the second leg after avoiding defeat to The Canaries at Carrow Road on Sunday, as The Whites proved much more defensively solid to draw 0-0.
It sees the two sides go into a do-or-die battle on Thursday, in what is pretty much a one-game tie after Sunday’s no-score and Leeds boast home advantage at Elland Road where they have been immense.
Daniel Farke’s men have won 16 of 23 Championship matches at Leeds this season, clocking up a huge 53 points from a possible 69. Norwich’s away record is the 19th-worst in the League, despite finishing sixth.
Wagner will need all of his best players available and Norwich firing on all cylinders to get a result but he could be without two key players for the trip to Yorkshire, one of which played on Sunday afternoon.
Wagner gave an update on both Ashley Barnes and Josh Sargent to BBC Sport:
Ashley Barnes and Josh Sargent updates now given by Wagner
Barnes, 34, was absent on Sunday after suffering a calf injury ahead of the game against Birmingham City, Norwich’s last outing of the season. He has played his part, having a hand in 11 goals in 35 league games.
But more of a concern is the fitness of USA star Sargent. The 27-year-old has a long-standing issue with ankle problems and he was forced off after 84 minutes on Sunday with another, a huge blow for Norwich.
Indeed, Sargent has scored 16 Championship goals this term. Wagner gave an update and expects it to be too soon for Barnes, while he is confident without knowing the full details in Sargent’s case.
On Sargent, Wagner said: “I haven’t spoken with him or the medical department. Obviously he was not able to carry on. He has problems with his ankle but he is tough. I don’t think this will be a big issue.”
Wagner continued, on Barnes: “I don’t think there is a big chance, but we know Barnesy is Barnesy and I know that our medical department works 24/7, so I won’t rule him out, but the chance is not huge.”
Huge Leeds boost if Sargent and Barnes are unavailable
Norwich scored 79 Championship goals last season with Barnes and Sargent responsible for more than a quarter of that, a combined 22. So it is absolutely obvious that taking both out softens Norwich’s attack.
Of course, The Canaries have talent all over the park and most notably in the form of Gabriel Sara. But the tie could hinge on whether Sargent is available, or finds Thursday is too soon given his ankle problems.
Leeds will be confident and could welcome back both Connor Roberts and Patrick Bamford, while Dan James made his return in the final moments of Sunday’s clash and could now be in contention to start.
