Barnes, an experienced forward, suffered medial knee ligament damage in the second half of Leicester’s 2-0 home defeat in midweek.

Barnes does not need surgery, but he will be out until after the November international break.

Sargent, another frontman, is out till the new year after undergoing ankle surgery in recent weeks.

Following Sargent’s long-term diagnosis, City signed Nottingham Forest attacker Hwang Ui-Jo, but Wagner is backing Idah ahead of Saturday’s long-distance trip to Plymouth.

“I try not to put too much pressure on him.” “I believe he should now enjoy the moments that lie ahead of him,” stated the Canaries’ manager. “Work hard, especially with Christoph (Buhler), who works closely with our strikers, and keep up the good work.” We anticipate his taking the next steps.

“He knows (we trust him). We’ve seen the step in his confidence, in his performances in the last games as well. I think he made an impact on Wednesday when he came on, as he has done for Ireland when he scored against the Netherlands. And the games which he played for us as well, where he made an impact with goals and assists.

“Big steps in the last six, seven weeks from the start of the season. So now continue doing what he has done, continue on the same journey, don’t over-think it. He has talent, he has qualities, all he has to make sure is he has the mindset and the willingness to work hard for the team in the defensive period of the game is there.

“He was very strong on Wednesday to take the physical challenges on board as well, because he’s a big guy. Do that and he will make the steps. He will be, and he is, an important player for us.”