Norwich City manager Alex Neil has confirmed today that defender Martin Olsson will not be missing the first two months of the season, as initially feared.
Ollson has been struggling with a shoulder injury throughout last season but it came to a head after the play-off triumph over Middleborough.
The 27-year-old needed surgery and it was thought that the procedure would rule him out the opening matches of the new season.
However, Neil has dismissed those suggestions by stating that the Swedish international is already taking part in the rehabilitation programme. He told the club website:
“As soon as the season finished, Martin had an operation on his shoulder, which was an ongoing issue for him. There were a couple of games last season where he played through the pain.
“We needed to make sure for Martin’s sake that it stopped being an ongoing issue.
“He’s well into his rehab now, which is going well. The operation was successful; it’s just a case of how quickly we can get him back, we’ll know more in the next few weeks as we continue to monitor his progress. He’ll be back in contention as close to the start of the season as possible.”
After releasing former Manchester City player Javier Gariddo, Norwich are left short of cover in the left-back position, though they can call on the services of England U20 player Harry Tofollo.
Toffolo was on loan at Swindon Town last season.
Olsson, who used to play for Blackburn Rovers, was ever-present in the Canaries’ back line last season as he featured in over 40 matches in the league. He contributed with one goal and five assists, and although was close to leaving the club in January, became an increasingly important member under Alex Neil.
