Norwich City can confirm that Ali Ahmed is set for a prolonged spell on the sidelines following confirmation of an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
The Canadian international landed awkwardly and was substituted in the second half of City’s pre-season friendly against CA Osasuna last weekend.
Subsequent scans and medical tests have confirmed a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in the right knee, with the winger set for a surgery over the coming period.
Following confirmation of the injury, teammate and close friend of Ali, Mohamed Touré, has made a request to switch to Ali’s squad number for the 2026/27 season, which the club have subsequently approved.
For the season ahead, the pair will now switch squad numbers, with Touré registered with squad number 21 and Ahmed moving to 37.
Speaking to canaries.co.uk, Touré said: “Since we both arrived at the club in January, we’ve become really close friends. We were all devastated for Ali when we saw him go down in the game, as it immediately looked like a really bad one.
“We know Ali will have a long road ahead of him. It’s unfortunate that he can’t be with us on the pitch, but in switching to his number for the season ahead, I want him to know that he has all of our full support and love.”
Any supporters that have purchased a 2026/27 home, away or third shirt with either ‘TOURÉ 37’ or ‘AHMED 21’ personalisation on or after Friday, July 31 will be able exchange their shirt for a new shirt with the updated squad numbers.
Those supporters that purchased in store should bring their shirt, plus proof of purchase, to either the Carrow Road or Jarrolds store to complete the exchange.
Any supporters that purchased online should contact the club’s retail team by emailing mailorder@canaries.co.uk to process their exchange.