City head coach Philippe Clement was tight-lipped on Monday regarding the fitness status of both Makama and Diallo, after they departed during and before Saturday’s 2-0 home win over Blackburn.
Makama has a foot injury, while Diallo is believed to have sustained a muscle-related issue in the warm-up, with Clement expected to deliver a full update on how long the duo will be sidelined after the game at the Kassam stadium.
But Kovacevic is also out, with what Clement told Sky in a flash pitchside interview on arrival at the Kassam is a quad problem, with Daniel Grimshaw making his league debut for the Canaries.
The initial result of scans on Monday indicated the Serbian has not suffered a ‘serious issue’ with Norwich taking a break from league action this coming weekend when they host West Brom in the FA Cup.
Clement did hint one or two other players were being monitored on the fitness front on Monday, aside from Makama and Diallo.
City’s head coach makes five changes in total from a weekend victory over Rovers. Sam Field replaces Jacob Wright in central midfield for his full debut following a deadline day loan switch from QPR.
Liam Gibbs and Oscar Schwartau come in for Tony Springett and Ali Ahmed, while Mohamed Toure gets the nod up top in Makama’s absence.
Clement did also confirm at Colney on Monday Matej Jurasek is set to be out for ‘nine to 10 weeks’ with a foot injury. But the Belgian indicated there was no fracture following a visit to a specialist.
Manchester United loanee Harry Amass (hamstring) and Pelle Mattsson (ankle) are also longer term absentees.
Clement is still hopeful Amass could return before the end of the season, while Mattsson is expected to be sidelined until late March at the earliest.
Gabe Forsyth is still following a rehab plan as he bids to make a competitive return since injuring his knee in November 2024.
Jeffery Schlupp and Shane Duffy (hamstring) remain longer term absentees. Mirko Topic and Ante Crnac are out for the season with ACL knee injuries.
Watch live reaction from our reporters at the Kassam stadium to the team news
Oxford United (starting XI): Cumming, Long, Brown, Helik, Placheta, Brannagan (C), Harris, Emakhu, Makosso, McDonnell, Peart-Harris. Subs: Ingram, Vaulks, Konak, Romeny, Roosken, Spencer, Mills, Davies, Jeon.
Norwich City (starting XI): Grimshaw; Fisher, McConville, Cordoba, Chrisene; McLean (C), Field; Gibbs, Slimane, Schwartau, Toure. Subs: Moulden, Stacey, Medic, Darling, Wright, Maghoma, Ahmed, Kvistgaarden, Springett.
Referee: Sam Allison