USMNT striker Josh Sargent set to return for Norwich City in FA Cup vs. Brighton after extended injury absence

U.S. international Josh Sargent is set to return for Norwich City this weekend after more than two months on the sideline due to a groin injury, manager Johannes Hoff Thorup confirmed this week ahead of the Canaries' FA Cup clash with Premier League side Brighton.

Prior to his injury, the 24-year-old had scored four goals and recorded five assists in 12 appearances for the club at the start of the 2024-25 campaign.

Speaking about Sargent midweek, Thorup said he's thrilled to have him back ahead of the crucial Cup match, but also ahead of their push for an English Championship playoff spot.

“It feels like a new signing when he comes back into the team,” said Thorup speaking to Pink Un. “He's been out a lot, and I think his presence in the box is important, with the dominant style that we have now, in particular the last month or so where I think many of our games has been a game picture that we actually want. To have him available, and have him as an option, will be good for the team, but also just his personality. He's a big leader on the pitch and outside the pitch, so that'll be fantastic for us to have him back.

“Brighton is the plan, and of course things can change, because we put him into team training at the start of this week, and then, of course, we have to see how it goes. If everything goes well, then the plan is to give him some minutes against Brighton so he can be fully ready for the next Championship game.”

Sargent's last appearance came on Oct. 27 in a 3-3 draw with Middlesbrough.

The report added that Norwich rejected a "£20m ($24.6m) plus offer in the summer from MLS" to keep the 24-year-old around this campaign. In 2023-24, Sargent recorded an impressive 18 goal-contributions in 26 matches. It had been reported in the summer that FC Cincinnati was one of the MLS clubs keen on his services.

The Canaries' clash with the Seagulls in a battle of the birds on Saturday in the FA Cup. The winner will advance to Round 4 of the competition as the Championship side look to upset the Premier League top-four contenders. Sargent, meanwhile, will look to make an impact.