Norwich City manager Philippe Clement has expressed his delight at the competitive return of young midfielder Gabe Forsyth after a 21-month injury ordeal. The 20-year-old Scottish player featured for the club's development squad last week.
Clement said he is "super happy for him because he's a hardworking, honest lad and he has good technical qualities. We've seen that already." Forsyth's comeback arrives as Norwich City sit 20th in the Championship table with three points from their opening four games, having scored five goals and conceded seven.
Gabe Forsyth suffered a serious knee injury during a Championship match at Cardiff in November 2024. The setback required multiple surgeries and kept him sidelined for nearly two full years. He had initially broken into the first-team picture under previous manager Johannes Hoff Thorup, making his Championship debut and signing a new contract shortly after. His return last week for the Under-21s was his first competitive action since that Cardiff fixture.
The lengthy rehabilitation process means Clement is taking a cautious approach. "It's dangerous after two years out that you make long-term plans," the manager said. "Let's focus on Gabe getting all the help he needs." This philosophy follows a pattern seen with other long-term absentees like Ante Crnac and Papa Amadou Diallo, whom Clement and his performance staff have successfully reintegrated.
The immediate plan for Gabe Forsyth involves a combination of Under-21 football and specific training sessions. Clement stated there is no pressure to fast-track the midfielder into Championship plans, emphasizing the need for a gradual build-up. "He needs to get first minutes with the Under-21s and build his story there," Clement explained. The manager noted it would be risky to jump from two years without football straight into a first-team environment, especially with the overall level of the squad rising.
Forsyth will train with both the first team and the Under-21s as part of an individual program designed for the "next weeks and months." The goal is to help him regain his strength and match sharpness. Clement is pleased with what Forsyth has shown so far and highlighted the player's technical ability and the "edge"in his game.
