Norwich City are set to welcome back two crucial players ahead of their Championship clash against Wrexham, as head coach Philippe Clement prepares his squad for this important fixture. While the transfer window has seen only one senior signing so far, the return of Papa Amadou Diallo and the inclusion of Ali Ahmed injects renewed strength into the Canaries.
Diallo has been sidelined since September with a quadriceps injury but is now ready to make his comeback. Clement has been closely monitoring his fitness and indicated that, although Diallo is unlikely to start, he could feature briefly from the bench. "It will be a short role after this long-term injury, but he is showing good things in training," Clement remarked. He emphasised the need for a cautious approach regarding Diallo's reintroduction, highlighting the importance of assessing both his readiness and the context of the match: "We need to discuss how many minutes he can play. The scenario of the game is also important. It’s not just about giving him a set amount of minutes; we must consider what the team needs at that moment."
In addition, Ahmed, who recently joined Norwich from the Vancouver Whitecaps, is fit to make his Championship debut after missing the FA Cup victory over Walsall. "He can go for 45 minutes, maybe a little bit more," Clement confirmed, leaving the timing of Ahmed's deployment to his discretion: "So it’s my choice to make: is it the first 45 or the second 45? That’s my decision to make." Read more about Grimshaw Targets Norwich City No.1 Spot Amidst Competition.
Captain Kenny McLean has also returned to full fitness just in time for the match against Wrexham. Clement acknowledged the significance of McLean's presence, stating, "Kenny is fit again and very hungry to start again," underscoring the vital role his leadership plays on the pitch.
As Norwich City gear up for this pivotal encounter, the anticipated contributions from Diallo and Ahmed could prove crucial in their quest for a positive result. With the Canaries aiming to build momentum in the league, Clement's tactical decisions will be key in determining how these returning players can make an impact.