Norwich City boss Philippe Clement has done just that confirmed Mirko Topic has suffered a cruciate ligament injury and will miss the rest of the season.
Norwich City suffered a blow in midweek when they conceded an equalizer against Oxford United in the 95th minute. It continued Philippe Clement’s wait for a first NCFC win and kept the fighters in 23rd place.
It was not the only blow: Mirko Topic had to make way during half time. There were initial concerns about his injury, but Clement was wary of confirming the extent of their fears.
But ahead of this weekend’s match with QPR, the Canaries’ worst fears have been confirmed. Midfielder Topic has suffered a cruciate ligament injury, and Clement said to the Pink On that he will be out for the season and will need surgery as soon as possible.
“It’s really bad news. It’s an ACL,” he said. “So he will be out for the rest of the season. He will have surgery as soon as possible.”
A huge blow for Norwich City and Mirko Topic
Norwich City only suffered the blow last month when they lost Ante Crnac to a cruciate ligament injury. It will be a real blow to the heart for the struggling Canaries to see Topic on the sidelines so soon after with the same problem.
After his arrival in the summer, Serbian midfielder Topic was a mainstay for NCFC. He played a role in all but one championship match, also starting in 13 of his 16 appearances.
He was one of the few players who impressed Clement with his fitness upon arrival. It looked like Topic would be given a regular role in the new boss’s high-intensity system, but he will now be sidelined for the entire season.
For the 24-year-old, the focus is now on recovery. He will likely undergo surgery in the not too distant future before the long rehabilitation process begins.
Who will Philippe Clement turn to in Norwich City’s midfield?
On Tuesday evening it was fellow summer signing Pelle Mattsson who Clement turned to in his Norwich City midfielder. He appears to be the front runner for partner captain Kenny McLean in Topic’s absence.
Also in the fray is rarely seen youngster Jacob Wright. After a promising loan spell in the second half of last season, the former Manchester City striker has barely had a sniff this season.
That could change in the long run now that Topic is out.
Elsewhere in midfield, Anis Slimane and Liam Gibbs are options once they return to fitness. Amankwah Forson can play a deeper role if necessary, but is better in more advanced areas. Central midfield is one of the few positions that Jeffrey Schlupp offers his services.
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