Why USMNT star Josh Sargent being ‘injury-prone’ is ‘good news’ for Norwich – with American striker facing another eight-week spell on the sidelines

The Canaries have confirmed that United States international Sargent is set to spend the next two months out of action after undergoing a groin operation, with club boss Hoff Thorup saying: "He has had the surgery now. It will be probably eight weeks from the surgery, which was Monday or Tuesday. Now it's just about rehab and nice and easy getting back in."

Sargent will be a big miss for Norwich, with the 24-year-old forward adding four goals this season to the 16 that he managed last term. He has become one of the top-performing strikers in the Championship, leading to interest reportedly being shown from afar – including among Premier League teams.

While Norwich would prefer to have him on the field, ex-Canaries star Sutton has told the Pink Un why an enforced break could prove beneficial on the transfer front. He has said: "In reality, the likelihood of Sargent playing 46 games with his injury record was remote. There is little point getting irate, but it's problematic that Norwich are staring at eight weeks without the best all-round striker in the division.

"If clubs are beginning to look at him and think he's injury-prone, that is good news for Norwich. He has really grown on me as a player. He's outstanding at this level and is much more than just a goal-scorer. I wouldn't be concerned from Norwich's perspective, but Sargent will need to shake off that tag. It may go against him when potential suitors look at him."

Sargent is tied to a contract at Carrow Road through to 2028, meaning that Norwich are under no pressure to sell. It does, however, remain to be seen whether they can keep themselves in the hunt for a play-off spot while their talismanic No.9 works his way back from another stint on the treatment table.