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Ruddy on the comeback trail - but Norwich won't rush him into first-team action

John Ruddy has been out since last November with a thigh injury. Credit: PA

Norwich manager Chris Hughton will take no chances on the fitness of England goalkeeper John Ruddy as he nears a first-team return.

The 26-year-old has not featured for the Canaries since the draw at Everton on November 24 after needing surgery on a torn muscle in his thigh.

After completing 90 minutes of Norwich's 2-0 Under-21 Development League defeat at Newcastle on Monday, Ruddy is expected to be back in contention over the end-of-season run-in.

Hughton, though, is determined not to rush the keeper - who returned five clean sheets before his injury - back too soon.

"The plan is for John to be involved in another game on Monday, then we will have to take it from there," said Hughton, who revealed deputy Mark Bunn could yet be fit to face Arsenal on Saturday.

"The injury is fine, there has been no re-occurrence.

"We will play another (development) game next week, then assess it from there, but it is certainly good to have him back on the training pitch and around things."

Ruddy steps up return to match fitness

Norwich goalkeeper Ruddy has been out of action since November 2012. Credit: PA

England goalkeeper John Ruddy is likely to step up his rehabilitation from a thigh injury after completing 90 minutes of Norwich's Under-21s match at Newcastle.

The 26-year-old has not featured for the Canaries since the draw at Everton on November 24 after needing surgery on a torn muscle.

Ruddy played all of the 2-0 Barclays U21 Development League defeat at Newcastle on Monday night, and will now be expected to come into contention for a first-team return over the run-in as Chris Hughton's men target top-flight survival.

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