After being written off and coming back from serious injuries, Josip Drmic is frustrated that he is in the shadows at Norwich City at a time where he feels physically fit.
The 28-year-old has confirmed that he’s been told to find a new club after falling out of favour at Carrow Road - something that is easier said than done in a market underscored by a global pandemic.
Drmic recently featured for David Wright’s Under-23 side and scored as they beat Reading’s youngster 3-0 in their Premier League 2 opener last week.
The Swiss striker has been training with City’s U23s in a hope of retaining his fitness as his representatives continue to sound out potential suitors over a move away from Norfolk.
Drmic has been plagued with injuries in the past, with doctors writing off his chances of a return due to cartilage problems suffered in 2016 and then a knee injury a year later.
Speaking to Swiss outlet Blick, Drmic confirmed that being physically fit makes his situation more frustrating.
“Yes. They told me not to (return to first-team training). It’s anything but an easy situation for me. That (being fit) almost makes the situation worse.
“In addition to training with the U23, I also do individual training, paint and draw a lot, go for a walks and wait for what comes my way.”
Drmic’s frustration is not just born from a lack of involvement with the Canaries first-team squad but also due to the fact his family cannot visit him due to restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
City have recruited Jordan Hugill to compete alongside Teemu Pukki and Adam Idah as their front line attacking options. Drmic scored three goals in 24 appearances last season.
“Sadly it has not worked out for Josip but you don’t play 35 times for Switzerland or score 70 goals in the Bundesliga unless you have quality,” said Farke. “Sometimes in football you have to accept it doesn’t work out.
“He scored a hat-trick against Luton last summer and was out then for eight weeks.
“Then he came back, had another injury, then he gets fit and we have the lockdown, and the other side of that was a difficult period for the team, and he of course gets his red card.
“We brought in Josip to be good in the air, and you need that presence of a player who can keep the ball with their back to goal. Jordan is one who can certainly do that as well.”
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