Sargent made a brief appearance in an encouraging development after spending over two months out with injury

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Article continues below

Article continues below

• Sargent returns to action in an 11-minute appearance
• Norwich crash out of FA Cup
• Brighton advance out of tie

• Table of Contents

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  U.S. international striker Josh Sargent made his long-awaited return, playing the final 11 minutes of Norwich’s heavy 4-0 loss to Premier League side Brighton.

  Sargent, 24, had been sidelined since Oct. 27, when he played 89 minutes in Norwich’s 3-3 draw against Middlesbrough in the Championship. A groin injury that required surgery was revealed after that match. This week, manager Johannes Hoff Thorup confirmed Sargent was fit for selection, and Saturday's appearance marked a positive step in his recovery.

  Unfortunately for Sargent and Norwich, the match was out of reach by the time he entered. Georginio Rutter scored twice before halftime, while Julio Enciso and Solly March added goals in the second half. Norwich are now out of FA Cup, while Brighton will advance.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Before his injury, Sargent was enjoying a stellar season for Norwich, tallying four goals and five assists in 12 appearances. His return could provide a much-needed boost for both Norwich and the USMNT.

  Norwich was vying for promotion when Sargent went down but has since slipped to 11th in the Championship table. On the international stage, Folarin Balogun’s injury has reshaped the striker competition, with Ricardo Pepi solidifying himself as the top option thanks to strong performances. However, Sargent’s return gives U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino another option to evaluate, especially if Pepi’s form dips.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Sargent's five assists are a career-high, with his previous high of two being notched in multiple seasons throughout his career.

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• WHAT NEXT FOR NORWICH?

  Sargent will be vying for more minutes when Norwich returns to Championship action against Sheffield United on Jan. 18.

Tags: Futebol
Category: News