"I don't think" - Norwich City urged to act on Josh Sargent situation in January | OneFootball

FLW's Norwich fan pundit is hoping his side will strengthen in their forward area with Josh Sargent injured

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

With the January transfer window around the corner, Norwich City will have to take their options in the final third into account.

After a previous strong spell of form for Johannes Hoff Thorup's side, Norwich now find themselves in a sticky patch.

Their main man, Josh Sargent, underwent groin surgery which will now see the US striker kept out of action for two months, proving to be a big blow to Thorup's plans this season.

Over a month ago, you would have fancied the Canaries to be in the running for promotion after Borja Sainz's brilliant form propelled them into the reckoning, with his partnership with Sargent looking fruitful.

However, following back-to-back 2–0 defeats, there seems to be a serious problem in front of goal, with many of the Norwich faithful hoping it gets corrected come January.

Norwich City could do with a striker in January

FLW's Norwich City fan pundit, Zeke Downes, has detailed his main concern ahead of the winter window.

"One concern I'd definitely have ahead of the transfer window is the striking department, especially with Sargent out.

"We're looking very light. We've got Crnac, and it's hard to tell whether he's actually a striker or not but, apparently, he is. He's got that mould of a striker, but he's not ready to lead our line yet.

"We'll need lots of goals, and a striker who can get involved with the build-up, which Sargent is used to now. Besides that, we've got Barnes, who's injured and, even when he's back, he's never been a prolific goalscorer or creator, so I don't know what else we can do.

"We've got a couple of players who could go there. Marcondes has gone there, but he's not a striker, way too small and there's a rogue shout of Onel Hernandez. He had one good game against Stevenage in the cup and I don't think he will be at the level we need.

"So, I would love a striker, but I don't think that is going to happen by the sounds of it."

Norwich may need Sargent competition to get season back on track

It doesn't take a genius to figure out how vital Sargent is to this Norwich squad. Nine goal contributions in 12 games this season says it all really, and he doesn't just contribute to creating and scoring, his off the ball work plays it's part as well.

His record over the years with Norwich has been impressive, and the board should seek out a short-term replacement incase his recovery spills into 2025 or there's another setback.

A possible free agent could be looked into as a cheaper alternative if the Norwich board aren't willing to splash the cash, or even a Premier League loan.

After their big sales in the summer, which include Jonathan Rowe and Gabriel Sara, Norwich are at risk of losing more Crown Jewels if they can't get this season right.

Sargent will no doubt be questioning his future if Norwich don't get promoted once more this season. The club could handle that by bringing in a striker in the meantime to get their form back in place in Sargent's absence, giving the USMNT man ample competition to spearhead a surge for the top-six.