Norwich City column: Josh Sargent has to remain fit if David Wagner’s side want to push for top six

Despite tasting defeat at Leeds United on Wednesday night, 2024 has got off to a promising start for Norwich City.

The 1-0 reversal against Daniel Farke’s side ended a three-game unbeaten run, which had seen the Canaries pick up an impressive seven points against fellow promotion hopefuls Southampton, Hull and West Brom.

The performance against West Brom was particularly encouraging, as complete and competitive as we’ve seen from David Wagner’s team in quite some time.

I even thought it was a reasonable effort at Elland Road, against a Leeds side unbeaten at home this season and full of Premier League quality.

It is impossible not to directly link the upturn in form with the return of Josh Sargent. After missing much of the campaign through injury, Sargent made his long-awaited comeback over the Christmas period.

His impact has been immediate, netting both the equaliser against Southampton and the opener in the 2-0 win over the Baggies.

But the USA international brings so much more to the party than just goals. He is an intelligent player who holds the ball up well and links the play around him.

Off the ball he is quick, strong, tenacious and never gives defenders time to breathe.

For my money, Sargent is up there with the best in the division – and if we have any designs on making a push for the play-offs, it is essential that we keep him fit and healthy as we approach the business end of the season.

That’s why I fully expect Sargent to be rested for Sunday’s trip to Liverpool in the FA Cup.

There was a time when a televised trip to Anfield would have really got the juices flowing. But with the scars of recent Premier League nightmares yet to heal, it is difficult to get excited for a game that will probably end in a 4-0 loss, if we’re lucky.