Daniel Farke sought to play down fears Ben Godfrey’s injury exit at Bournemouth is the latest twist in Norwich City’s central defensive curse.

Godfrey departed five minutes into the second half after feeling some pain on his first outing since a hernia operation over the international break.

City finished the 0-0 draw with Ibrahim Amadou partnered by fellow defensive holding midfielder Alex Tettey after going into the game without Grant Hanley, Christoph Zimmermann and Timm Klose.

But Farke was cautiously optimistic Godfrey will be in his plans for Manchester United's visit to Carrow Road next week.

"We have to wait a bit. If I am honest it was a bit too early after the hernia surgery and just one training session," said Farke. "It was worth taking the risk because he was top class in the first half and it was important to have him on the pitch.

"Alex Tettey had to adapt at centre back and Tom came in but there was no chance to start the game like this because Tom was only back after a long term injury and 45 minutes would have been too long for him.

"Ben was a great leader but after 50 minutes he felt some pain and I hope it was just his body getting a bit tired after the one training session only.

"Not a big setback, just a small one. I hope he is available for Manchester United but let's wait at this stage.

"A great point for us. To have the first away point at this level and the first clean sheet under the belt is important.

"We have done this now and without any centre backs on the pitch.

"I love Manchester City but with all due respect I would like to see them play without four centre backs. If they had Ilkay Gundogan and David Silva at centre back they would struggle to be solid.

"I am a bit disappointed in the second half we were not able to win this game. I felt we were improving each minute after being compact in the first half.

"We had momentum. Teemu Pukki was denied by a world class save for me, Tom Trybull was close to scoring and many other scenes. We had periods when we controlled this game."