Dean Smith previewed Norwich City’s Premier League return at Brighton - and we had all the key lines first direct from Colney with the boss.

Norwich have nine games left to upset the odds and stay in the top flight but came up short against the likes of Brentford and Leeds prior to an extended break.

Max Aarons (hamstring) is ruled out this weekend. Smith confirmed he had not trained at all during the three weeks since Leeds, and in the last two days had stayed away with illness.

"Max has been ill the last couple of days as well, which hasn't helped his recovery," said Smith. "This weekend is definitely too soon for him. He felt his hamstring against Leeds and he's been off ever since, in terms of not training."

Ozan Kabak (hamstring) could be out for the season after an early injury exit for Turkey in a midweek friendly against Italy. Kabak has remained in Turkey for further assessment and City are in dialogue with his parent club, Schalke.

"Ozan unfortunately, had a hamstring injury in the friendly game against Italy. So he looks like he's going to be a long term injury," said Smith. "I'm just waiting on reports of that. (Season-ending?) That is a fear. He is still in Turkey at the moment so we've not actually seen him yet. Obviously, the conversations have to go between our medical staff and those at his parent club as well."

Brandon Williams (ankle) picked up a knock at Elland Road and is touch and go for Brighton.

Josh Sargent was pictured wearing a protective boot on his left leg in the past 24 hours. Smith confirmed on Friday morning he had rolled his ankle and the US international continues to be assessed.

Christoph Zimmermann (eye) and Sam Byram (fatigue) were also notable absentees from the last Premier League squad, but both are available this weekend.

Grant Hanley missed the Leeds defeat after testing positive for Covid but did feature for Scotland over the international period.

Andrew Omobamidele (back) and Adam Idah (knee) have been longer term absentees. Omobamidele was wearing a special corset after a fresh visit to see a specialist prior to the break, while Idah was ruled out for the rest of the season.

Recap the press conference below, with full reaction and build up to the Canaries' game at Brighton throughout the rest of the day only on the Pink Un+ app