Paul Lambert would have no qualms throwing Zak Whitbread or Dani Ayala back into the fray ahead of this weekend's Premier League trip to Manchester City. Picture by Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd.
Norwich City defender Ward’s injury boost
By Paddy Davitt, EDP Sports Writer
Thursday, December 1, 2011
11:01 AM
Norwich boss Paul Lambert revealed on Thursday morning Elliott Ward could have turned a corner in his long running fitness battle with a knee injury.
Ward has yet to feature in the Premier League after damaging his knee during the club’s pre-season tour to Germany. Lambert admitted recently the big centre back had suffered a set back in his recovery, but initial fears of further surgery appear to have receded.
The positive injury bulletin comes after fellow centre backs Zak Whitbread and Dani Ayala both stepped up their recoveries from hamstring and knee injuries respectively with a 90 minute outing in midweek against Dereham in the Norfolk Senior Cup.
Lambert now has a decision to make whether to fast-track the pair into the travelling party for this weekend’s trip to Premier League leaders Manchester City.
“I think if push came to shove and I wanted to do it I don’t think either would let us down,” he said. “They are not too far away now. As I said before, they might just need one more but they are doing okay. The two lads who played the other night seem to be fine.
“Hopefully in the next week or so Wardy starts to get going and that will sustain it and he will be back in contention. It was a bit of pain how it was going off and on and hopefully this time it is not too bad and we are talking weeks not months.”
Lambert reported no fresh injury concerns after last weekend’s win over QPR. The City boss is optimistic Ritchie De Laet can shake off a back problem, although the Belgian has yet to train this week.
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5 comments
I only saw Ward a few times, Nelson, and he always looked comfortable. But you may well have seen him over a wider range of opposition. There`s no doubt as to how well Russell Martin is performing. He`d take some shifting from that position now. OTBC.
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Mad Brewer
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Being a Dereham 'bor myself, I would not want to belittle The Magpies or disagree with Mr Lambert, but I would have thought that there has to be at least one step in between Aldiss Park and the City of Manchester Stadium. FWIW, there was no clean sheet against the Ridgeons Premier League giants.
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Swiss Canary
Thursday, December 1, 2011
I can`t remember him looking that slow, but you`ve probably seen more of him than I have, Nelson. Maybe the few games I saw him in were against opposition that didn`t stretch him. I do remember the feeble attacking power of Middlesborough in particular. OTBC.
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Mad Brewer
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Too slow for this level. That's why Russell Martin has done so well, he has the pace needed.
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Nelson
Thursday, December 1, 2011
It would be great to see Ward back. He did look classy last season, albeit in the championship. I reckon when fully fit he can cut the mustard in the Prem, too. OTBC.
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Mad Brewer
Thursday, December 1, 2011