Norwich City midfielder Adam Forshaw is expected to be out for the next month with a hamstring injury.

The experienced former Leeds operator has made only two league starts since his late summer window free transfer arrival.

Forshaw had to undergo an intensive fitness programme, after missing out on pre-season, but was absent against Blackburn last weekend after being replaced at the interval in the previous away defeat to Sunderland.

The 32-year-old now joins fellow holding midfielder Jacob Sorensen on the sidelines. The Dane has not featured all season with a pelvic-related issue that prompted another surgical procedure in recent days.

“This means he will be out until Christmas, to the beginning of new year. This is how the prognosis is at the minute,” said City head coach David Wagner. “But to be totally honest, I think for something serious (in terms of timescale) you only can say in the next three to four weeks, after he recovers and makes his first steps in the gym and on the grass as well if, hopefully, this surgery solves these issues.

“Adam has a slight hamstring injury and will be out until the beginning of December. Everyone else looks fine after the last game. Obviously, (Shane) Duffy is suspended as you know.”

The Irish centre back is ruled out for Saturday’s trip to Cardiff along with Ben Gibson (foot). Wagner is weighing up whether to fast-track Grant Hanley into his plans, with another development outing on Friday at home to Bournemouth in the Premier League Cup also an option.

“We will see. He played his first Under-21 minutes last Friday,” said the Norwich chief. “Yes, there is another (development) game so it is whether he is involved in that or comes with us? We will decide what's best for him, but he is now in training since roughly four weeks.”

Angus Gunn (muscular), Ashley Barnes (knee) and Josh Sargent (ankle) remain sidelined.