Norwich City are grappling with an ongoing injury crisis, with Liam Gibbs the latest player to be sidelined due to a minor hamstring injury. The promising midfielder is expected to be unavailable for approximately three to four weeks, adding to the challenges faced by head coach Liam Manning, who is now managing a squad missing over ten players due to injuries.
Gibbs was absent from the squad during the recent 2-0 defeat to Hull City, as medical staff assessed the extent of his injury. Manning expressed his frustration regarding the team's ongoing injury predicament ahead of the upcoming match against Sheffield Wednesday. Read more about Gelhardt Hails Tactical Shift as Hull Down Norwich.
"Liam Gibbs has another hamstring injury again," Manning stated. "He'll be out for three to four weeks. It's hugely frustrating; it's a new experience for me to have so many."
The head coach acknowledged the significant difficulties associated with managing a team severely depleted by injuries but emphasised the need to focus on the players available for selection.
"It's one of those. It's three to four weeks, so it's not a huge one. When you look at his last 18 months, two years, what he's played, he's actually been in a good spot, I think," he added.
Throughout the season, Manning has consistently raised concerns about the team's injury record, yet he assured supporters that meticulous planning has been implemented to mitigate the risk of serious injuries similar to Gibbs's.
"We spent a huge amount of time planning, talking about the lads," he explained. "What do they need? What does their training programme look like? Who needs rest? Who needs working? Who needs extras? What do they need in the gym?"
Despite these precautions, Manning recognised that a history of injuries invariably increases the likelihood of future complications. "Unfortunately, when you've had a history of injuries like Liam has, there's always the potential that you're going to be more likely to pick up future ones," he noted.
Manning's disappointment is palpable, reflecting not only his own frustrations but also those for Gibbs, who had been starting to regain his form. "So it's one of those where I'm disappointed for him as much as I am myself, because he'd got to a decent level. The only blessing is that there's the international break, which obviously is a two-week period."
As Norwich City navigate this challenging phase, attention will turn to the players who remain fit and are ready to rise to the occasion in Gibbs's absence. The team's resilience will be tested, and the upcoming matches may provide an opportunity for others to step up and make their mark. Read more about Martin Targets Return as Norwich and Saints Eye Managerial Change.