Norwich City are set to welcome back Danish forward Mathias Kvistgaarden in their matchday squad as they prepare to face Swansea City this afternoon. This marks a significant moment for the Canaries, who have been grappling with a disappointing run in the Championship. Kvistgaarden, absent since suffering a knee injury during a 1-1 draw against Coventry City, will start on the bench, making his first appearance in the squad since that setback.
Despite Kvistgaarden's return, head coach Liam Manning has opted to maintain the same starting eleven that suffered a defeat to Derby County on Tuesday, which was Norwich's fourth consecutive loss in the league. The team is eager to turn their fortunes around and escape the relegation zone as they face the Swans.
Shane Duffy has made the trip to South Wales after recovering from a calf injury, but he will not be part of the matchday squad. Manning explained that this decision is influenced by a disciplinary issue stemming from Duffy's recent controversial interaction with a fan on social media. “He’s trained well, but we have to consider the circumstances,” said Manning, highlighting the careful management of the player's situation.
Young prospect Errol Mundle-Smith is included in the squad, while former Norwich player Adam Idah is set to start for Swansea. Unfortunately, Norwich's Ben Chrisene and Lucien Mahovo remain sidelined, both continuing their recovery from injuries sustained in the same match that led to Kvistgaarden's absence. Meanwhile, Amankwah Forson is expected to resume training next week, and Gabriel Forsyth is facing a longer rehabilitation period after undergoing a second knee surgery.
Swansea City, on the other hand, have also been facing challenges, having not won any of their last five home league matches. The pressure is mounting on their head coach, Alan Sheehan, as he seeks to reverse their fortunes.
Norwich's recent performance has been concerning, particularly in the attacking department, as they have failed to score in three of their last four league fixtures. Manning has acknowledged the pressing need for improvement, especially in converting chances. “We have to make the chances count when we get them,” he stated, emphasising the importance of efficiency in front of goal.
With Kvistgaarden's return, fans are hopeful that his presence can rejuvenate the team's performance and help secure vital points against a Swansea side also struggling to find their rhythm. Both teams are in urgent need of a positive outcome, setting the stage for a tense and competitive match this afternoon.
**Starting XIs:**
**Swansea City:** Vigoroux (GK), Key, Cabango, Stamenic, Vipotnik, Eom, Tymon, Burgess, Cullen, Galbraith, Ronald.
**Substitutes:** Fisher (GK), Fulton, Widell, Samuels-Smith, Franco, Benson, Casey, Inoussa, Idah.
**Norwich City:** Kovacevic; Stacey, Medic, Darling, McLean (C); Mattsson, Topic; Makama, Gibbs, Schwartau; Sargent.
**Substitutes:** Grimshaw (GK), Schlupp, Fisher, McConville, Wright, Jurasek, Marcondes, Kvistgaarden, Mundle-Smith.
As the Canaries take to the pitch, there is hope that the return of key players and a renewed determination will finally yield the three points they so desperately need.