Norwich City's pre-season ramps up in a number of ways when they face Magdeburg at Carrow Road this evening.

The friendly marks Johannes Hoff Thorup's debut in the stadium's home dugout, as well as the Canaries' first home game since May's play-off semi-final against Leeds United.

Their German opposition will also have plenty of motivation for the trip, with local media describing it as the highlight of their summer and more than 400 fans expected to travel.

The 2. Bundesliga side are preparing an assault on the division this season, with the aim to improve on a 14-th placed finish last term. While Norwich have remained patient in a quiet transfer window, FCM head coach Christian Titz has already seen his squad bolstered by 10 new signings.

They've only cost around £1million combined, however, with Magdeburg coming into the game as significant underdogs.

City, by contrast, spent more than £3million on their only signing of the window so far, and new man Jose Cordoba could feature. He was involved in the club's open training session on Wednesday, having joined up with Thorup's squad after playing in the Copa America for Panama.

Star striker Josh Sargent, who also played in the tournament with the USA, sat out of the session despite returning for fitness testing early this week. His workload is being managed after a recurring ankle issue complicated his summer, but there's confidence internally that the worst is behind him.

Angus Gunn and Christian Fassnacht also missed training on Wednesday, although their issues are believed to be minor and won't impact their availability for next month's season opener at Oxford United.

Grant Hanley and Kenny McLean's minutes are being built up slowly after their Euro 2024 exploits, as are those of Liam Gibbs and Onel Hernandez, who both featured in Belgium after long-term injuries.

Ashley Barnes has had calf surgery and will miss the Championship kick-off, with the typical recovery period being between six and eight weeks.