Darren Huckerby is almost certain to miss the rest of Norwich City's pre-season schedule - but should be ready for the opening game of the season.

Darren Huckerby is almost certain to miss the rest of Norwich City's pre-season schedule - but should be ready for the opening game of the season.

The Canaries star has an injury diagnosed as a “low grade groin strain”, but City physio Neal Reynolds is optimistic that it won't prevent him from travelling to Preston on August 11.

Huckerby hasn't kicked a ball in any of the pre-season fixtures and although he was declared fit for the trip to King's Lynn last week, manager Peter Grant refused to take a risk.

It proved to be a good call, with Huckerby feeling discomfort during a Saturday morning training session in Holland ahead of the game against Apeldoorn.

He flew home the following day and underwent a scan in hospital, where tests showed the extent of the problem.

“He had a scan done on Sunday afternoon back in the UK, more from the point of view that if we needed to get something done we could do it quicker than if he was over here,” said Reynolds.

“The scan showed he had a low grade groin strain in his right groin. It's now a case of him having treatment back in England and letting it settle down over the next week to 10 days.”

That would rule out next week's home friendlies against West Ham and Vitesse Arnhem.

“We are aiming for the start of the season and looking at the scan I can't see there will be a huge issue with it,” added Reynolds.

The consolation for Grant is that Huckerby's general fitness is generally tip-top all year round, which should ensure the Preston trip doesn't come too early.

“He's one of the fittest in the group, if not the fittest,” added Reynolds. “So I don't think it will affect him at all. He's one of those very lucky ones who can get away with a few weeks off.”