The failure to secure Clarke was emblematic of Wednesday’s wider recruitment struggles, a recurring theme that has left their squad lacking the depth and tactical flexibility required to compete consistently. With Clarke now preparing to return from injury in time for the derby, they may come to regret their inability to get the deal over the line.

A look at the key facts and statistics ahead of the Championship meeting between Norwich City and Sheffield Wednesday.

Follow live coverage as Norwich City face Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship today. An increasingly competitive second tier in English football remains an intense and exciting competition, with the prize of a place in the Premier League on offer at the end of the season.

Norwich City goalkeeper Vicente Reyes will start the Championship game against Sheffield Wednesday, says boss Johannes Hoff Thorup.

Follow live coverage as Norwich City face Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship today. An increasingly competitive second tier in English football remains an intense and exciting competition, with the prize of a place in the Premier League on offer at the end of the season.

After a pair of draws and a loss to Preston North End, that solitary victory came at home to Stoke City, as Lewis Dobbin opened the scoring and Joshua Sargent netted a brace alongside a Junior Tchamadeu own goal in a 4-2 triumph at Carrow Road.

Bristol City aim to keep their play off hopes alive as they visit title chasers Sheffield United on Tuesday (20:00 GMT). The Robins are two points shy of West Bromwich Albion in sixth and could climb as high as fifth if neither Baggies or Coventry City can pick up wins in their respective matches.