Ashley Barnes back in full training with Norwich City

The Canaries face QPR tomorrow

Ashley Barnes
Author: Sian RochePublished 24th Nov 2023

David Wagner's welcoming a number of senior players from injury in the coming weeks.

The Canaries manager says Ashley Barnes, who'd been out with a knee injury, has returned to full training this week.

Meanwhile Adam Forshaw, Angus Gunn and club captain Grant Hanley are all expected to come back to training in the next fortnight.

The club also reported Jacob Sørensen and Josh Sargent are still recovering from long-term injuries, but may be available within the next month.

"We've had some light at the end of the tunnel," Wagner said.

"Barnesy is back in training, Adam Forshaw and Gunny are a week away. Grant is two weeks away, Lungi and Sarge are another three weeks. Jonny Rowe is a doubt for this week.

"Barnes has had a full week of training, he's worked a lot in the gym with the fitness guys over the last few weeks. He's now pain-free when he strikes the ball, fitness-wise there's no problem and he is in contention. He certainly won't start three games in the next week.

"We're very happy to have him back, how good he is in coaching others on the pitch. He has a lot of strengths, we've missed him in the last eight weeks. He will help, he'll set standards and demands very high."

The Canaries welcome QPR to Carrow Road tomorrow.

They've drawn their last two games, and before that, had a run of seven consecutive defeats, but Wagner says that the Rs (who sit 23rd in the Championship) must not be underestimated: "Whoever judges QPR on the table makes a mistake, it's a totally different approach and team since they've changed their manager. They've had two draws and look more organised....

"It's a difficult task, a good opponent. You have to work very hard, be on our level. We worked hard against Cardiff and the win gave us a boost.

"Now we want back-to-back wins. Nobody will underestimate the quality of QPR because of the table or points."

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