Francis back in Training

[Huckerbys right foot]

Norwich City midfielder Damien Francis was back in training yesterday just 11 days after fracturing his cheekbone in three places – but it's too early to say whether he will be fit to make a swift return to action at the weekend.

Sporting a specially constructed protective mask Francis took part in a non-contact session with his City colleagues and came through it with no problems whatsoever.

The sight of the influential star being put through his paces at Colney training ground was a welcome boost for Nigel Worthington on the day that the name of Leon McKenzie was added to a growing injury list.

But he knows Francis will have to prove he can take a knock before he is even considered for Saturday's clash against a Bolton side who are renowned for their physical approach.

"Damien is a question mark – will he or won't he?" said the City boss when asked if the player who was missed so badly against Fulham at the weekend might be poised for a swift comeback.

"It's too soon to say whether he will be ready for the weekend - but he is making good progress.

"He has had a training session but it was non-contact as far as he was concerned.

"He's had no problem with the mask at all. He's jogging and kicking the ball with no problem but there's been no contact yet. That will be the big test.

"It's a case of pushing him on a little bit if and when he feels comfortable."

Francis has been on the sidelines since an accidental training ground collision with McKenzie left him needing hospital treatment. The operation to repair the damage was a success, and now it's a case of deciding whether the player can cope with the hurly-burly of Premiership football while wearing a Phantom of the Opera style mask. Worthington made it clear he would be taking a safety-first approach over the next few days – but the fact that he isn't ruling Francis out for the weekend is certainly good news for City followers after Saturday's depressing 1-0 home defeat.

"We have got to monitor him very carefully," said Worthington. "To be available for the Bolton game he has got to be able to do everything. When a game comes around there are no holds barred, we know that. He's got to be comfortable with everything before he is even considered. As I said it's a case of wait and see on that one."

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Great news i said in another thread that he should be back in like 2 games time ...maybe even earlier now

he will look dodgy cos the mask but hopefully he gets back to where he left off