Ashley Barnes: Norwich boss David Wagner 'over the moon' to have striker back
- Published
Ashley Barnes was signed to fill the gap left by Teemu Pukki's departure from Norwich in the summer
Norwich City head coach David Wagner is "over the moon" to have Ashley Barnes back after two months out as their injury problems start to ease.
The 34-year-old former Burnley striker was signed in the summer and scored twice in his first five appearances.
But he has not played since the 2-0 home defeat by Leicester on 20 September because of an ankle injury.
"The pain has gone, he's full on in training and it's a big boost," Wagner told BBC Radio Norfolk.
"We are altogether over the moon that he is back - he has trained the whole week without any issues."
The loss to Leicester began a downturn in Norwich's fortunes following a good start to the campaign as they won only one of their next eight games, losing six of them.
A 3-2 win at Cardiff City before the international break eased the pressure on Wagner, who is still adjusting to the presence of new sporting director Josh Knapper, who replaced Stuart Webber on 13 November.
Following Barnes' likely return at home to QPR on Saturday, Wagner hopes to have several more players back before the Christmas programme.
"It looks like Adam Forshaw and Gunny (Angus) will be back in training next week, Grant Hanley in two weeks, and if everything goes to plan Josh (Sargent) and Ben Gibson roughly in three weeks time," the German said.
"We can see light at the end of the tunnel, even if we have to be patient for a few further weeks.
"Every team in the world will have problems to solve if five or six starters, senior players, are out for such a long period like in our case."
Norwich are 16th in the Championship, but only have six points to make up on Sunderland, who currently occupy the last play-off place.
Former Huddersfield boss Wagner admitted he was grateful for the backing he has received from the club in recent weeks.
"This is something every manager wishes for, the support in difficult moments, difficult situations, and this is exactly what I have felt," he said.
"The players win games, not the manager. Every manager, from my point of view, thinks he wins the games, thinks himself too important, but this is not how I am."
On Knapper's arrival at Carrow Road, he added: "He has been to more or less every (training) session. We have had a few conversations, informal and in normal meetings as well.
"I haven't worked with him long enough to see the differences (with Stuart Webber) - I can see the similarities.
"For him, it's important to get the big picture and we should give him a little bit of time. I'm quite sure he does not know every name (at the club), I'm not sure if I know every name now after 10 months."