Norwich City’s ambitions to revive their season have taken a hit with the news of Lucien Mahovo’s injury. The young full-back recently underwent scans to assess the severity of a re-injury, as confirmed by head coach Liam Manning, following his absence during the Canaries' disappointing 1-0 defeat to Bristol City.
Manning is expected to provide a detailed update on Mahovo's situation during his press conference on Monday, just before the team’s crucial midweek trip to Derby County. The 20-year-old’s promising rise in the first team had already been hindered last season by a serious quad injury. Although he had made brief appearances from the bench in the previous two league matches, this latest setback raises significant concerns. Read more about Manning Faces Pressure as Norwich Fall to Bristol City.
“It’s frustrating,” Manning stated. “He had quite a big surgery concerning his quad, and we’ve worked hard to reintegrate him over a solid period. It's not a huge re-injury, but he just felt something in a similar area. We need to be cautious because of the nature of his surgery.”
Manning further elaborated, “It’s nothing major, just something we have to monitor closely due to the risk of a potential re-injury. He actually scanned it on Friday, so we’re awaiting definitive results and plans. It's just a small issue in a similar part of his leg.”
The head coach expressed his eagerness to see Mahovo return to the pitch, especially given his solid performances prior to the injury. “As much as I’d love to have him available—because I thought he did well in the two appearances—I can’t be reckless either.”
Before the recent defeat at Carrow Road, Manning had indicated that other injured players, such as Shane Duffy (calf), Ben Chrisene (hamstring), and Mathias Kvistgaarden (knee), are projected to make their returns for upcoming fixtures. The reintegration of these key players is vital as Norwich aims to break a troubling streak of poor form.
“Having some players back will definitely help,” Manning remarked. “When you make the volume of transitions we did over the summer, there’s obviously more room for error. A whole host of injuries doesn’t help either; it limits our ability to rotate and compete for places.”
He added, “I spoke to the lads in the dressing room after the game. They need to look in-house. Some have to take responsibility and stop waiting for things to happen. We can provide everything, but once the game starts, I can’t play it for them. They have to execute the plan and find a way to win.”
Currently sitting in 20th place in the Championship table, just one point above the relegation zone, the pressure on Norwich is mounting. The Canaries have yet to secure a home victory this season, and the defeat to Bristol City has heightened scrutiny on Manning and his squad.
As they prepare for a pivotal clash against Derby, the urgency for a turnaround has never been more critical.