The Canaries returned from the international break with seven games remaining, following a 1-0 win at Charlton Athletic last time out, where Pelle Mattsson’s first strike was the difference.
It was a positive message from the Belgian head coach, with no confirmation that Ruairi McConville will miss tomorrow’s clash after picking up an injury on international duty, which saw him recalled by Michael O’Neill.
Heartbreak for the young defender at half-time, with Northern Ireland missing out on World Cup qualification, and he had just returned from a knee problem suffered in the FA Cup win at Leeds last month.
Clement confirmed Mo Toure, Oscar Schwartau, Ben Chrisene, Jeffrey Schlupp and Jack Stacey are all back in club training, with decisions to be made individually on whether they will feature on Friday afternoon, given the varying lengths of their injuries.
Clement was hopeful before the break that he would have a number of players available for the run, including back-to-backs Stacey and Chrisene. Stacey missed the trip to South London after picking up a hamstring problem in the defeat to Southampton, but he confirmed to Pink Un earlier this week that he expects to be fit for the Good Friday clash.
Chrisene may also return to the fray. The full-back has been sidelined for the past two games after picking up a hamstring injury during the win over Preston North End at Carrow Road, but is confident of a return in time to face Pompey.
Meanwhile, Jeffrey Schlupp has stepped up his recovery. Clement revealed before the break how the versatile defender was back and he is set to return in a matter of weeks. Having not featured since November due to a hamstring problem, Schlupp has been pictured in training.
Mathias Kvistgaarden has had to carry the load in the absence of his fellow strikers, but Mo Touré is expected to return from the groin injury he picked up during the win over Sheffield Wednesday in March. The Australian fighter did not take part in international duty.
Oscar Schwartau has been sidelined since the FA Cup fourth-round win over West Brom due to a hamstring injury, but is expected to return as an option for the end of the season.
It was a busy time for the military team that left for international duty. Clement was critical of the Easter fixture schedule just after the international window, with Ali Ahmed and Anis Ben Slimane facing off on Wednesday morning (UK time) in Toronto before returning to England and being available for the Championship game just 24 hours later. Neither of them practiced on Thursday afternoon.
Wide forward Matej Jurasek is still a few weeks away from a leg injury, while striker Jovon Makama (leg) and winger Papa Amadou Diallo (quad) are expected to miss most of the game.
Manchester United loanee Harry Amass (hamstring) has returned to his parents’ club to continue his rehabilitation, but Clement has made it clear that Norwich have not yet completed the loan, hoping he can still be available at the end of the season.
Gabe Forsyth is continuing his rehab program as he aims to return to competition after a knee injury in November 2024.
Mirko Topic and Ante Crnac are out for the season with ACL injuries, while Lucien Mahovo (muscle) and Shane Duffy (hamstring) remain out long-term.
Portsmouth sit 21st in the Championship table, just one point and one place above the relegation zone, and have picked up just one point from their last six games. A 6-1 drubbing at Loftus Road before the break, combined with a long injury list, means they travel to Norfolk with little confidence and few options.
Harry Darling and Josh Sargent were on the scoresheet in the last game in August, as Norwich ran out 2-1 winners at Fratton Park. Goalkeeper Kovacevic saved the penalty to help secure the victory.
Recap highlights from our blog, and watch full preview of Clement’s debut against Portsmouth on Pinkun channels.
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