Fisher, Makama, Diallo near returns
Norwich City have received encouraging injury news ahead of their Carabao Cup opener against MK Dons. Head coach Philippe Clement confirmed that Kellen Fisher and Jovan Makama are progressing well, both ahead of schedule following pre-season setbacks. Fisher is expected to feature in an internal training game on Sunday, with Makama also back on the pitch individually.
Papa Amadou Diallo is similarly edging closer to full fitness, having trained for several days, though Clement stressed it is still too early for him to play competitively. Midfielder Pelle Mattsson is available for selection after missing the final Carrow Road friendly, while new signing Darlin Yongwa continues to build fitness and is not expected to feature yet.
Clement said: "Pelle trained all week, so he will be in the selection again. Papa has trained for a few days, but it's too early to put him into a game, so like I said, he's going to play on Sunday. For Fish, it is the same. He's been training the last few days, so it's also really positive, and he's in front of the schedule."
Ali Ahmed injury sparks Dominguez interest
Norwich face a lengthy absence for winger Ali Ahmed after he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury last weekend, confirmed by the club. The Canadian international had impressed since joining from Vancouver Whitecaps in January 2026, scoring four goals and providing three assists in 21 Championship appearances.
According to Football League World, The Pink'un, Norwich have identified Bologna’s Argentine winger Benjamin Dominguez as a potential replacement. The 22-year-old has made 48 appearances for Bologna since his move from Gimnasia, contributing four goals and six assists, though he struggled for consistent game time last season.
Dominguez’s style and position recall the club’s previous Argentine winger Emiliano Buendia, who left a strong impression during his time at Carrow Road. While no formal offer has been made yet, Norwich are reportedly confident about securing a deal before the transfer window closes.
Clement insists on strong cup line-up vs MK Dons
Philippe Clement has made it clear Norwich will approach their Carabao Cup first-round tie against MK Dons with full intent. Despite the fixture coming before the Championship season starts, Clement said: "It doesn't matter to me if it's a League Cup game, an FA Cup game, or a league game. So they're all competitive, and we want to go as far as possible in all of them."
The head coach acknowledged the challenge of selecting his best XI given varying fitness levels across the squad, with some players still building minutes after injury or international duty. "For some, it's still pre-season," he said. "Some players did six weeks. Others did two weeks. Others did three weeks, like internationals coming back. Some players came out of injury."
MK Dons boss Warne’s emotional return
MK Dons manager Paul Warne, a lifelong Norwich fan, is expected to treat the tie as a major occasion. Clement noted: "I know the manager is a real Norwich fan. For him, it's the game of the year. We know they had the experience in the past, I think it was 15 years ago, to win against a Norwich team that was playing in the Premier League at that moment."
Clement promised respect for the opposition but stressed Norwich’s ambition to progress. "They will come with a lot of confidence and we will play our game with respect for them, but going full for our own ambitions and it's going to be an exciting game to watch for everybody."