Norwich City might have some unexpected January transfer business on the horizon | OneFootball

A lengthy Marcelino Nunez injury may call into question Ben Knapper's January transfer strategy.

Norwich City's injury woes were exacerbated by Marcelino Nunez going off in the FA Cup match against Brighton, and with a host of other midfield injuries, a January loan solution could be on the cards.

The Chilean has had some rotten luck with injuries already this season, having had a spell on the sidelines just a couple of months ago. Canaries boss Johannes Hoff Thorup is also missing another four of his midfield options with new permanent recruit Anis Ben Slimane a particular blow.

Injuries to players such as Liam Gibbs and Gabriel Forsyth are also slowly starting to weigh on the club, as midfield options have only become more sparse throughout the season.

A January swoop to cover Slimane was likely not on the agenda prior to the Brighton game, but almost certainly it relied on none of the other midfielders either being snapped up themselves or getting injured. Unfortunately for Ben Knapper and Thorup, it's a gamble that hasn't paid off.

Nunez injury is a huge blow for Norwich City

The 24-year-old has solidified his place in the Norwich squad as one of their best creative outlets. So much so that he's reportedly caught the eye of Premier League outfit Everton, with the Norwich chiefs resoundingly rejecting their £7 million offer, according to Chilean sources.

There's no understating how important Nunez is to the Canaries. Particularly under Thorup, he's tasked with receiving the ball in deep midfield before setting moves in motion.

The City boss likes him in the number six role, saying via the PinkUn: "You have to be an option every time the centre backs get the ball and to progress the game, but you have a big responsibility defensively. It was the first time he did that for us, and he did well" after the Millwall game.

But he also recognises that his multi-faceted ability is a major strength to his side.

He said: "As everyone can see, when he's playing a more offensive position - he's a big threat from distance for us". Three of his four goals this season have come from outside the box.

This current Nunez blow makes for a difficult road ahead for the Canaries, and a problem that will undoubtedly be a challenge to solve.

There's no quick fix for Norwich's midfield injury woes

With the midfield position seemingly cursed for the Norfolk side this season, it's tempting to believe that a loan signing is the best way forward.

But Thorup remains "realistic" about the resources available to him in January, and finding the perfect replacement in such a short space of time is certainly on the wrong side of that thinking.

There's hope that a renewed sense of confidence with Amankwah Forson could allow him to step up in the absence of Slimane and Nunez, while Thorup's faith in youth may also have to come to the fore in the weeks ahead. As well, Knapper may feel its best to weather the storm instead of bringing in a player who'll - at best - be a squad option to cover short-to-mid-term injuries.

It rests in the hands of the club doctors and physios, but Norwich fans will feel they're due some good luck with their most recent midfielder's injury. Yet, if the Nunez injury is as bad as it's feared, and he's looking at a lengthy rehabilitation program, it would be unsurprising if a January swoop is made.