The sight of Jack Stacey limping off in the 73rd minute of Norwich’s 1-0 loss away at Southampton was an especially sore sight for Norwich City fans, signalling a continuation of their injury struggles.
Norwich now have up to fourteen first-teamers missing ahead of their game at home against Charlton on Saturday.
During his time at the Canaries, Philippe Clement has faced persistent injuries to his squad, forcing his hand on multiple occasions in terms of both selection and rotation.
Despite Norwich’s excellent upturn in form since his arrival, the Belgian is unable to catch a break in the medical department.
Norwich currently seem unable to go through a full game without adding another body to their ever-growing injury list. The cumulative nature of such a problem coupled with five games in fourteen days is not helping their cause.
If Stacey is set for a spell on the sidelines, then Norwich will be with just the one fit fullback for their clash with Charlton on Saturday.
Ben Chrisene was a doubt ahead of the Southampton game and ultimately, did not travel down for the game.
Speaking to PinkUn reporter Paddy Davitt post-match, Clement sounded worried about Ben Chrisene as he highlighted the tight turnaround for this weekend’s game, stating “we only have two days really before the next game but we will see.
Speaking on the Jack Stacey situation, the Belgian offered no more than that “we also have to look at Jack”.
Norwich are now beyond the barebones in terms of the full back position, with Kellen Fisher the only natural full back currently available.
He had been filling in at left back in recent games due to injuries to Lucien Mahovo, Jeffrey Schlupp, Harry Amass and Ben Chrisene. Now with the injury to Jack Stacey, Fisher may be moved back to the right flank.
If Kellen Fisher were to be moved back to the right, where he is clearly more comfortable and effective as a right-footer, then Sam Field and Kenny McLean would be the most likely to occupy the left full back position.
Kenny McLean has filled in there before, and would be more than capable, but is arguably needed in the middle of the pitch and his importance to Norwich means he is not worth sacrificing at left-back.
Sam Field can play left back and with the return of Pelle Mattson has seen his minutes in the middle of the park reduced so may be most likely to start at left back.
Another possibility for Clement is to move one of his centre backs out wide, either Jose Cordoba onto the left or Ruari McConville onto the right, and then bringing Harry Darling back into the starting line-up. This would be the more defensive option.
Alternatively, utility player Liam Gibbs could be deployed at either right or left back to offer a more offensive threat.
Gibbs came on for Stacey on Wednesday evening, and showcased his attacking threat as he looked to provide an overlapping option to get crosses into the box.
This season he has featured in defensive midfield, on both wings and in the number ten role, and despite failing to excel in any area has proved himself to be a dependable if unspectacular member of Norwich’s squad
The international break comes at a good time for Philippe Clement and Norwich fans alike, and they will hope to have a number of players back after the break concludes.
