Some of Dean Smith Press Conference below
Todd Cantwell is back training. He's trained Wednesday and Thursday. Beyond that, nobody has returned or is out from Wednesday's squad.
Smith asked whether there are comparisons between
Jack Grealish and Cantwell. Dean Smith describes
Grealish as an 'unique' player.
The challenge for Todd at the moment is getting his performances back to a decent level.
Is this a must win? Smith doesn't think Norwich are in a completely desperate position, but admits they need to find wins sooner rather than later.
'We need to give the fans something to cheer about on Saturday.
Smith admits his start as Norwich boss has been a 'tough period'.
But he remains completely convinced that they can get themselves out of it.
'We more than competed against West Ham but we didn't create very good chances.' I'd agree with that assessment.
How do Norwich put that right? 'By working on the processes', Smith says.
Smith wants Norwich to take more risks as they begin to enter 'must-win territory'.
But, it's a balancing act and they can't leave themselves too open.
Mathias Normann is getting closer. He's jogging pain-free. Billy Gilmour has an ankle sprain and is expected to remain at Chelsea for the rest of the week,
will return on next week. Josh Sargent back in the squad.
We understand with the results that we're going to get criticism. We've spoken in the dressing room about having a siege mentality. I'm not bothered by people's opinions. We know the restrictions we've been under with players injured and ill.
Grant Hanley is currently having injections to play for Norwich. Smith says he is feeling better than expected and it will continue to heal as the matches go on.
Asked about his thinking behind the Pukki and Idah combination, Smith said: 'We have lost numbers in midfield. We wanted one of our strikers to drop deep and get involved in the play.'
Smith speaking about the importance of 'processes'. 'They've worked before and I have no reason not to think they will again'.
That is the focus rather than wondering where goals will come from
'If we had a bid for Todd, then we would have to decide what to do with that. It hasn't happened yet.'
Smith says Norwich can't 'get away from criticism' because of their results and performances. Some of it has been over the top, he feels.
Hence why he decided to voice his opinions in support of the players.
Smith has put together a 'leadership group' at Norwich They've been putting it together over the last week. Players have been voting for it.
Smith will announce the results to the group.
I've been completely transparent with Todd. He had a knee injury and he was ill. He travelled with us to West Ham and was sent home.'
Smith has advised Cantwell to restrict his social media used. Particularly when it comes to reading comments and criticism online.
'We know how big the next two games are. The only disappointment is Everton's game got called off, through no fault of their own,
so they have had a longer time to recover than us.'
