The duo were notable absentees for the midweek 1-0 home defeat to Southampton. Back up keeper Daniel Grimshaw was named sponsors’ player-of-the-match, after Kovacevic suffered a head injury in a collision with Swansea’s Adam Idah in the weekend’s 2-1 loss.

“He gets the knee of the opponent against his head, and in the same action they have also another chance,” said Clement. “I don't understand why the referee didn't stop the game that moment because it was a clearly a big clash with the goalkeeper. So as a concussion injury he will not be available for Saturday, but we will see for next week how it evolves.

“Grimmy played a good game. he did a lot of good things, so that's really good. That's important for the team also and I'm looking forward to a stronger performance again on Saturday. We didn’t give away any big chances.

“Defence was in general solid. Midfield also, Jacob (Wright) getting a few chances. I think in six months, one year, two years, he is going to score goals out of that.

"I think the average age of our team was 24 or younger. It's four or five years different with Southampton’s average age, but we cannot wait four or five years. We need to step up in in the next weeks and months to come with this squad to make it better again. And at least we deserved the point for me.”

Fisher is another of the new wave at Norwich, but picked up a back complaint while away with England’s Under-21s.

“Kel came back from the national team with a problem in his back and got treatment for a week to 10 days,” said Clement. “He was better but the problem came back, so it doesn't look really serious, or a really big injury, but he will need some treatment, and we will see for Saturday if he will be available or not.”