David Wagner provides Josh Sargent and Ashley Barnes fitness updates ahead of Norwich City’s trip to Leeds United | OneFootball

Norwich City boss David Wagner is confident that Josh Sargent will be available for their second leg at Leeds United on Thursday, but Ashley Barnes looks set to miss out.

Norwich City and Leeds United prepare for second leg

The two sides met on Sunday afternoon at Carrow Road, and, in truth, it was a poor game, as neither side managed to create many clear cup opportunities as it finished 0-0.

The Canaries started well, but Leeds gradually began to come into the game, and they thought they had taken the lead through Junior Firpo, although the linesman had flagged for a Georginio Rutter offside in the build-up.

Other than that, there wasn’t much going on, as the two keepers had little to do.

Josh Sargent injury latest

Now, attention will turn to the second leg, with the tie to be decided in front of a packed Elland Road on Thursday night, as both sides try to book a place at Wembley for the final.

And, there had been fears that Norwich could make the trip without Sargent, as the striker went off late on during the goalless draw with an ankle problem.

The USA international missed a chunk of the campaign with a similar issue, so it was understandably a concern, particularly as Sargent has been outstanding for the Yellows, scoring 16 goals in the league to help Norwich to sixth place, despite featuring in just 26 games in the regular season.

So, his absence would be a real blow, but Wagner cooled talk that Sargent would miss out, as he gave a positive update when speaking to the BBC, although it wasn’t such good news about fellow striker Barnes, who is suffering with a calf problem.

“I haven’t spoken with him (Sargent) or the medical department, and obviously he was not able to carry on. He has some problems with his ankle but he is a tough guy. I don’t think this will be a big issue for Thursday in such an important game, but I haven’t spoken with him.

“I don’t think there is a big chance, but we know Barnesy is Barnesy and I know that our medical department works 24/7, so I won’t rule him out, but the chance is not huge.”

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Norwich City will need their big players to step up to reach the Premier League

Drawing the game on Sunday was by no means a disastrous result, and it ensures that Norwich make the trip to Elland Road still firmly in with a chance.

However, there’s no denying that Leeds are going to start as firm favourites to reach Wembley, and it will take a massive effort from the Canaries to progress.

To do that, Wagner will need his big players, and Sargent is someone they will be relying on, so it’s a real positive that his injury issue doesn’t appear to be a bad one.

It’s a shame for the side that Barnes is unlikely to be involved, as his experience would’ve been key, but Wagner’s comments suggest he will give him until the last minute to prove his fitness for this huge game.