Adam Harvey

Norwich City name Kellen Fisher in the starting XI for their Championship opener against West Bromwich Albion, replacing Jack Stacey. Mathias Kvistgaarden is fit enough for the bench, while Papa Amadou Diallo returns to the squad. Liam Gibbs, Mirko Topic, Ali Ahmed and Lucien Mahovo are unavailable through injury, with Ahmed facing a prolonged absence after an ACL rupture. Matej Jurasek has joined Sparta Prague on loan, and Norwich are seeking another left-sided attacking player before the transfer window closes.

Norwich City midfielder Oscar Schwartau says he would like to establish himself as the club’s number 10, although he remains willing to play on the left wing or wherever manager Philippe Clement requires. The 20-year-old has made substantial progress since joining from Brøndby and faces competition from Anis Ben Slimane and Paris Maghoma. After Norwich’s Carabao Cup win over MK Dons, Schwartau believes the result has created momentum ahead of the Championship opener against West Bromwich Albion.

Norwich academy graduate Abu Kamara has rejoined Portsmouth from Hull City on a three-year deal reportedly worth £2.5 million. The 23-year-old winger previously helped Portsmouth win the League One title during a 2023/24 loan spell, scoring 10 goals in 52 appearances. After leaving Norwich for Hull, Kamara made 37 appearances in his first season and later played 13 times for Getafe in Spain’s top flight. Portsmouth manager John Mousinho welcomed the player’s return, highlighting his increased Championship and overseas experience. Kamara is eligible to make his debut against QPR and is scheduled to face Norwich later in the season.

Anis Ben Slimane has moved from being surplus to requirements at Norwich City a year ago to becoming a strong candidate for the No. 10 role under Philippe Clement. He scored early against MK Dons and impressed with his link-up play, physicality and defensive contribution during a 61-minute pre-season appearance. With competition from Paris Maghoma and Oscar Schwartau, Slimane’s form gives Clement a selection dilemma ahead of the Championship opener against West Brom, but the midfielder currently appears to be leading the race.

Norwich City open their 2026/27 campaign at Carrow Road against MK Dons in the first round of the Carabao Cup. Manager Philippe Clement is expected to field a strong team, but Norwich are without several injured players, including Ali Ahmed, who sustained a serious ACL rupture. MK Dons, managed by former Norwich player Paul Warne, will also be missing Sam Silvera and Alex Gilbey. The match is covered through a live blog available to Pink Un+ subscribers.

Norwich City winger Ali Ahmed has ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during a pre-season friendly against CA Osasuna and is expected to undergo surgery, resulting in a lengthy spell out. Ahmed had made a strong start to his Norwich career after joining from Vancouver Whitecaps, recording four goals and three assists in 21 appearances before representing Canada at the World Cup. Teammate Mohamed Toure will wear Ahmed's No. 21 shirt as a gesture of support. Norwich is assessing whether to sign another left-sided attacker, with several injured players nearing returns and Amankwah Forson's potential departure possibly subject to review.

Norwich City defender Ruairi McConville says facing Kylian Mbappe and France in Lille provided valuable experience that he hopes to carry into the new Championship season. Northern Ireland lost 3-1 but performed creditably, and McConville is pleased that five Norwich teammates have returned after participating in the World Cup. He also hopes to build on his defensive partnership with Jose Cordoba as Norwich pursue promotion and aim to become Premier League players.

Norwich City assistant coach Stephan Van Der Heyden credits Philippe Clement’s clear structure, improved physical standards and effective communication for transforming the team’s fortunes. The coaching pair, who previously worked together at Club Brugge and Rangers, focused on fitness, possession and defensive principles after arriving at Carrow Road. Van Der Heyden says the Championship’s physical demands and congested schedule require sustained preparation, but believes the coaching staff’s methods have put Norwich on the right track for the new season.

Stephan Van Der Heyden describes how his coaching partnership with Philippe Clement began at Club Brugge and continued through Rangers and Norwich City. He explains how coaching roles in Macedonia, Jordan and India helped him develop adaptability, cultural awareness and the ability to support players adjusting to life abroad. Van Der Heyden says he was initially surprised by Norwich’s approach while the club was 23rd in the Championship, but felt confident in the owners and believes he and Clement can improve the team. He expects the pair to continue working together in the future.

Norwich City will begin the Championship season without Kellen Fisher and Jovon Makama, who are expected to miss around six and four weeks respectively with an ankle injury and a foot injury. Both setbacks resulted from contact incidents rather than the muscle-related problems that affected Norwich last season. Lucien Mahovo is also out for three months with ankle ligament damage, while Errol Mundle-Smith has a minor hamstring issue. The club is not currently expected to make short-term additions, with Jack Stacey able to cover at right-back and Mathias Kvistgaarden and returning forward Mo Toure offering attacking options. Norwich's main remaining transfer priority is a new left-back.

Norwich City have unveiled a purple, lilac and mint third kit for the 2026/27 season, designed by Joma with a 1990s-inspired chequered pattern and made from recycled polyester and elastane. The kit, promoted through a bus-themed photoshoot featuring players from the men’s and women’s teams, is available online and at club stores. It will be worn by both teams, while Norwich’s men target a top-eight Championship finish and the women aim to consolidate their position in Tier 3 after promotion. The launch follows the release of the club’s home and away kits ahead of the new campaign.