Norwich striker out until New Year

Norwich City striker James Vaughan will be sidelined until the New Year with a knee injury picked up in the 2-1 win over Sunderland on Monday.

Vaughan, 23, came on as a substitute at Carrow Road against the Black Cats but lasted just 10 minutes on the pitch before he was forced off with the knock.

The Canaries’ front man has since had surgery on his knee which has confirmed the worst for the former Everton forward.

He will have to sit out a substantial amount of the season, with Norwich boss Paul Lambert announcing Vaughan would be out until the New Year.

“He is going to be out for a considerable time – it is his meniscus,” Lambert said.

“It is a blow because he has been looking really good and is going to be out for three or four months.”

“He has had really bad luck with injuries.”

Vaughan joins longer term absentees Elliott Ward (knee) and Dani Ayala (knee) on the sidelines. Zak Whitbread returned to training this week but will not be considered for Saturday’s league trip to Manchester United.

Lambert admitted Vaughan’s latest injury setback was a cruel blow for the 23-year-old striker who has yet to start a first team Norwich game.