Norwich City have received a timely boost with the return of Ben Chrisene, whose absence had been acutely felt in the left-back position. The Canaries have faced a challenging period, grappling with injuries that sidelined Chrisene, Lucien Mahovo, and Jeffrey Schlupp. This situation compelled managers Philippe Clement and his predecessor, Liam Manning, to experiment with various line-ups and personnel throughout the season.
Prior to his hamstring injury sustained against Coventry in October, Chrisene had shown promising form, making his absence particularly frustrating for the team. His adaptability within a fluid tactical system, which alternated between a back three and a back four, was crucial for Norwich's performance. His recent start against Preston marked only his fourth appearance in this Championship season and his second under Clement.
During the match at Deepdale, Chrisene faced the challenging task of defending against Tottenham loanee Alfie Devine. Despite mixed success in containing his opponent, Chrisene's resilience was evident. He made three tackles and completed three clearances in a commendable 64-minute display, indicating his physical readiness for the rigours of Championship football.
With Chrisene back in the fold, the left-back situation for Norwich appears less dire than it has in recent weeks. The club have had to utilise as many as eight different players in that position due to injuries, including Jose Cordoba, Tony Springett, and Kellen Fisher. The resulting instability has been apparent, but Chrisene's presence offers a sense of relief.
As the January transfer window approaches, the temptation to seek further reinforcements is palpable. However, the return of Chrisene, coupled with Mahovo’s return to training, provides Norwich with options. The critical question facing Clement is whether he can rely on both players to deliver consistently at this level. This season, Chrisene and Mahovo have combined for a mere eight league appearances, with Chrisene having completed a full 90 minutes only once.
Both players are recognised for their significant potential, which is why the club hesitated to recruit a third left-back option during the summer. After a failed attempt to sign Aaron Cresswell, who opted for Stoke City instead of Norwich's more lucrative offer, the club secured Schlupp for his experience and versatility. Unfortunately, injuries have limited Schlupp's impact, leading to just seven appearances since joining.
The absence of Schlupp, alongside an injury to Papa Amadou Diallo, has intensified the left-sided challenges, forcing the team to rely on makeshift solutions that often lack balance. As Clement prepares for the January window, his decision-making will heavily depend on the fitness levels of Chrisene and Mahovo in the coming weeks.
Despite his injury struggles and a limited pre-season, Chrisene's early-season form has been encouraging. Under Clement's leadership, there is cautious optimism that he can continue to develop his game, although his substitution at Deepdale underscored the necessity for careful management, particularly with a demanding festive schedule approaching.
A potential loan move could alleviate some pressure on the current squad, but it may also complicate matters if a new recruit finds themselves on the sidelines. With Jack Stacey returning, there's a chance that Fisher may need to shift roles if required, but this could disrupt the team's newfound stability.
Clement has favoured continuity in his line-ups since taking charge, and how he navigates the left-back position will be pivotal in the weeks ahead. Although it seems unlikely that Norwich will plunge into the transfer market in January, Chrisene's return has certainly eased some of the pressure. The club appear cautious about stockpiling players at the expense of their development.
As Chrisene seeks to build on this latest outing, the focus will be on achieving consistency and maintaining fitness. This match served as a vital opportunity for him to shake off the rust following his time on the sidelines.
**VERDICT**: Chrisene’s comeback is a significant boost for Norwich, but careful management is essential following his injury struggles. His performance against Devine revealed flashes of the talent that garnered him praise prior to his setback.
**RATING**: 6 out of 10