Despite missing out on the play-offs, Norwich City manager Philippe Clement remains optimistic that the Canaries can challenge for promotion next season.

When he took over from Liam Manning last November, the Belgian manager drastically altered the Norfolk club’s fortunes, steering them well clear of relegation while also threatening a late top six drive.

Unfortunately, it never occurred, with the Canaries leaving it too late, but such an increase in performance levels and quality on the pitch has given the club renewed confidence that they can compete with the division’s finest teams.

Of course, Norwich’s recruiting will be critical to Clement’s success in getting the club back into promotion contention, with the 52-year-old needing to surround himself with players who can take the rough and tumble of the Championship.

However, he will be without one of his main talents for the bulk, if not all, of the 2026-27 season, as winger Ali Ahmed suffered an unfortunate and long-term injury that could jeopardise Norwich’s preparation.

It’s a harsh setback for the Canaries, who now have to try to replace an attacker who has quickly adapted to Championship life.

Norwich City announce cruel Ali Ahmed’s ACL injury.

While Norwich City had a solid pre-season, the news of Ali Ahmed’s injury will undoubtedly set them back.

The 25-year-old, who joined Carrow Road for a reputed £1.4 million from Vancouver Whitecaps, rapidly became a fan favourite due to his ability to adjust to Championship life, scoring four goals and providing three assists in 19 league appearances last season.

Ali Ahmed’s 2025-26 Norwich City statistics

Appearances

19

Goals

4

Assists

3

Not to add, he helped joint-hosts Canada advance to the round of 16 in the 2026 World Cup, finishing off a fantastic season for both club and country.

However, after returning from Canada’s success and rejoining Norwich’s pre-season camp, Ahmed fell awkwardly during the second half of Norwich’s 2-1 defeat to Osasuna at Carrow Road and required medical assistance to leave the field.

After the match, head coach Philippe Clement stated that the injury “did not look good,” and it has since been discovered that Ahmed sustained an ACL injury in his right knee, which will be repaired later this month.

Unfortunately for everyone at Norwich, this means that the tricky winger will miss the majority, if not all, of the upcoming Championship season, which is a huge blow given his ability to not only create but also score goals in the final third.

How Norwich City fans responded to Ali Ahmed’s injury news

Ollie Newton, a Norwich City fan, praised Mohamed Toure, who has taken Ahmed’s squad number 37 for the forthcoming season to support the winger.

Norwich City must do everything they can to replace Ali Ahmed.

Norwich City will face a major struggle in filling the vacuum created by Ali Ahmed’s departure.

During a fans discussion with BBC Radio Norfolk, Norwich’s sports director, Ben Knapper, was questioned about the club’s plans to return to the transfer market to add another left-sided attacking option.

“Of course, that was not something we expected to have to do. We’re just not in a position to know exactly what it all implies right now since it’s so new,” he said.

“Hopefully, the first part of that will come in the coming days when we get that detail on exactly what the injury is and how long it will be.”That will then allow us to have more discussions about how we respond to that. Of course, the market is still open, so that is an option, and we still have time, so we can take things slowly.”

It has also been reported that Norwich are considering all options at this time, both internally and externally, with Papa Amadou Diallo, Ante Crnac, and Errol Mundle-Smith all on their way back, while Amankwah Forson’s planned Carrow Road exit may be reconsidered.

Nonetheless, there is no doubt that Norwich are significantly weaker as a result of Ali Ahmed’s injury, and manager Philippe Clement is certain to be disappointed that such a setback has occurred so close to the start of the new season.

It’s a significant task for Norwich, who are now suffering from a lack of a creative outlet.