Grant Hanley is set to give Norwich City a much-needed festive fitness boost as he eyes a return to Championship action in the coming weeks. 

The Scottish international has been sidelined since Easter when he damaged his Achilles in April and underwent surgery.

Despite initial fears that he wouldn't return until 2024, City's club captain managed to get himself back to training but suffered a setback last month when he injured his hamstring during a session. 

With Ben Gibson also closing in on a first-team return and poised to re-join training next week, the central defensive picture looks more encouraging with options returning for head coach David Wagner. 

Kenny McLean has been playing in central defence in the last two Championship matches but Hanley's return over a hectic festive period would provide some respite for the City boss. 

"Grant was yesterday in training and today has recovered," Wagner said. "Then he will train for the rest of the week. If he doesn't train at the highest level, then he will train with the U21s.

"He is back as expected. Yes (it will be too early for Ipswich). I think he will need another two or three weeks of training and that will be very beneficial for him. We will see whether there will be U21 games in this period as well in between.

"We are taking it day by day and week by week. It's good that the plan that he had has been followed, and before this busy Christmas period, it looks like we will have another player back." 

City's head coach also provided an update on young defender Jaden Warner after his omission from recent matchday squads. 

Norwich Evening News: Norwich City central defender Jaden Warner has been absent with an injury concern.Norwich City central defender Jaden Warner has been absent with an injury concern. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

With defensive options returning, Warner could be somebody who departs the club on loan in January in pursuit of regular first-team football despite making his senior debut for Norwich this term. 

"About the January window, it's so far away from me and we have so many games to play that I don't like to look too far ahead for any individual," Wagner said.

"Jaden has been injured. He had a little bit of a stress problem with his muscles because he has played a lot of games. But he has recovered quite well.

"He has been out of training for 10 days, and today (Tuesday) he trained for the first time."