admin“Touch wood”: Philippe Clement sweating on another Norwich City injury blow after QPR win
Norwich City Await Assessment for Jack Stacey After QPR Win
Norwich City are awaiting an update on Jack Stacey after the right-back was forced off during Saturday’s 3-1 victory over QPR, Philippe Clement’s first win in charge. The result ended a 13-game winless run for the Canaries, but they remain 23rd in the Championship table.
Despite the positive result, injury concerns continued to plague the squad. Stacey withdrew in the 56th minute with what appeared to be a hamstring problem.
Clement, cautious in his comments, is hoping it’s not serious and confirmed the defender will be assessed in the coming days.
“We have to wait and see with Jack, whether it was a contact or not, or how bad it is,” Clement told The Pink Un. “Let’s hope, touch wood, for good news.
We already lost Mirko and we don’t want to lose another player. I’m always looking at the half-full glass. We’ll see after the assessment in the next few days.”
Ongoing Injury Woes for Norwich
Injuries have been a recurring issue for Norwich this season, affecting both former manager Liam Manning and now Clement. Stacey himself missed time in early November due to concussion protocols but had started all three games under the new boss.
The full extent of his current injury will determine whether he faces a short spell on the sidelines.
The setback is particularly frustrating as Stacey had been linking up well with Amankwah Forson down the right flank against QPR, creating a key attacking threat before his departure.
When fit, Stacey has been the first-choice right-back this season, with Kellen Fisher often shifting to the left to cover for absences.
Who Could Step In at Right-Back?
Against QPR, Shane Duffy replaced Stacey, with Ruairi McConville moving into the right-back slot from his central position.
The young Irishman has impressed in his appearances this season, and Clement may now consider him as a genuine option rather than just a temporary solution.
Fisher remains the natural right-back, but with limited fit left-backs, he has often been required on the opposite side. Kenny McLean can cover in defense but is more effective in midfield. Clement will have to weigh all options carefully as he looks to build on the morale-boosting win over QPR.
admin
