Josh Sargent was originally expected to be back in action for Norwich City this weekend, but the American striker is now set to miss a third-straight match due to injury.
Sargent has been ruled out of Norwich’s trip to Millwall on Saturday, Canaries boss David Wagner confirmed Thursday. The U.S. men’s national team striker missed the last two matches due to an ankle injury but was expected to return this weekend.
However, the prognosis on Sargent has changed with Wagner already focused on not having him available for Saturday’s trip to the Den.
“He’s close, but not quite close enough. He won’t back for Millwall,” Wagner said Thursday.
Sargent leads the Canaries with 11 goals this season, with two of those coming in 2023. The Canaries are two points behind sixth-place Luton Town for the final promotion playoff spot in the English Football League Championship.
Here is a closer look at recent Americans Abroad News:
Auston Trusty set for quick return in Birmingham City backline
Auston Trusty’s immediate return to action for Birmingham City will be crucial to John Eustace’s plans and after an early worry about the centerback’s absence last weekend, Eustace should have Trusty back available as early as this weekend.
Trusty suffered a calf strain which forced him to miss Birmingham’s 1-0 loss to Luton Town last weekend. However, the Arsenal loanee’s prognosis has improved over the last week, providing a huge boost to Eustace and his Birmingham City squad.
Trusty has been stellar for Birmingham City this season, logging 33 league appearances, four goals, and one assist. He is expected to rejoin Arsenal at the end of his loan spell despite interest from the Blues to acquire him permanently.
“Trusty will be touch and go for the weekend,” Eustace said Thursday. “He had a calf strain so he was big miss for us last week.”
Birmingham City visits Wigan Athletic on Saturday afternoon.
Lynden Gooch closing in on Sunderland return
Sunderland has been without veteran fullback/midfielder Lynden Gooch for close to two months, but the 27-year-old is finally closing in on a return to action for the Black Cats.
Gooch has been in Sunderland training over the past two weeks as he prepares for a return this month. A hip injury has sidelined Gooch since January, forcing Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray to rotate his options in Gooch’s absence.
Gooch won’t be a part of Sunderland’s clash with Stoke City on Saturday but could return next weekend at Norwich City if all goes well in his preparations.
“It may be for next weekend,” Mowbray said. “He will have a full week’s training next week and then there is a chance of him being in contention for Norwich.”
Gooch has made 19 Championship appearances this season, scoring one goal and adding two assists. His move to right back has allowed him to remain a regular contributor in the squad as Sunderland fights to get itself into the top-six by season’s end.
Sunderland sits ninth in the league table following its promotion back to the Championship last spring, sitting five points back of sixth-place Luton Town.
