Mo Toure Faces Long Recovery Ahead
Support from Down Under has arrived for Norwich City striker Mo Toure, with Australia boss Tony Popovic backing the 22-year-old to return strongly from the shoulder injury that has interrupted his impressive rise.
Toure was replaced after just 15 minutes in the disappointing 4-3 defeat to Bolton on Sunday, and Philippe Clement later confirmed that the City striker is set to undergo surgery and will be out for months.
Impact on Australia's Asian Cup Plans
The injury has ramifications beyond Carrow Road. Toure had established himself as part of Popovic's senior Australia plans, with a blistering start to the Championship season increasing his importance. With the Asian Cup set to begin in January, there are concerns the setback could jeopardise his chances of featuring in Saudi Arabia.
Popovic admitted the injury had come at the worst possible time for the Norwich forward, whose excellent form under Clement has transformed him into an equally important player for his country.
Philippe Clement's Optimism for Recovery
Canaries boss Philippe Clement confirmed that striker Mo Toure was set to face 'months' on the sidelines. "We have a lot of talented players, a lot of creative players in the front third. We have options, and we'll use those options leading up to the Asian Cup," he stated.
"Hopefully, Mo will be back. If he's not, unfortunately, we know that's part of football. We've experienced a lot of this since we started, with long-term injuries. But we feel we have talent that can cover or come through, and we can have a nice surprise with a different player in that position." Clement added, "Obviously, we wish Mo a speedy recovery. He was in fantastic form, and we'd love to see him back soon." The Pink'un