Josh Sargent: Norwich City striker 'managing' ankle after major surgery
- Published
Josh Sargent has scored 25 goals in 79 league games since joining Norwich from German side Werder Bremen in August 2021
Norwich striker Josh Sargent says managing his return from a serious ankle injury is something he and the club "have to work through" as their play-off push intensifies.
In-form Sargent scored twice in the 4-1 win over Cardiff on Saturday to keep the Canaries just outside the top six.
It took his tally to seven goals in 10 games since returning from four months out following surgery.
"Some days I'll be feeling great and the next it'll be aching," he said.
Sargent was injured while scoring in Norwich's 4-0 win at Huddersfield on 26 August and described the surgery he had to repair ligament damage as "very big".
Although he is yet to finish a match since making his comeback at Millwall on 29 December, Sargent's goals have helped maintain Norwich's challenge for a play-off spot and a chance for return to the Premier League after a two-season absence.
The USA international said his ankle "does not feel the best" on some days, with care being taken over his work-load.
"It's just something we're trying to manage at the moment. I didn't feel it at all [against Cardiff]. There was one moment when I jammed it but that had nothing to do with what was bothering me before," Sargent told BBC Radio Norfolk.
"Speaking with the coach [head coach David Wagner] and physio department, we're doing the best we can to manage it and get it right for game time.
"It's frustrating when I do feel it because, obviously, I want to be out there for as long as possible to help the team. It's not ideal but it's just something we've got to work through."
With 13 games to go, Norwich are only outside the play-off places on goal difference, with the same points tally as sixth-placed Coventry City and one adrift of West Brom in fifth.
Sargent believes a top-six finish is "very possible" given the way the Canaries are playing, with three wins and draw in their last four matches.
"We're right there with the play-offs with the momentum, so it's all to play for and feeling good," he said.
"We're putting together some really good performances at the moment. There are still some things we need to sort out but overall I think there's a lot of things to be happy about.
"I'm very happy with all the goals of course but even happier that the team is firing on all cylinders and everyone is getting the best out of each other right now."