The 21-year-old winger has been the subject of bids from Leeds United and Marseille already this summer, with interest also strong elsewhere. No clubs have come close to the Canaries’ valuation of Rowe, however, and they are keen to hold out for the right fee.

Jose Cordoba is also absent with a groin issue that blighted his pre-season, but fellow summer signing Callum Doyle starts at left-back. He’s joined in defence by an experienced central duo of Grant Hanley and Shane Duffy, with Jack Stacey at right-back.

Liam Gibbs pips Jacob Sorensen to a starting berth in midfield, with Celtic target Adam Idah on the bench. Amankwah Forson also makes the matchday squad, having made the move from RB Salzburg yesterday.

Ashley Barnes is out after surgery on a calf issue sustained last season, but has begun an individual training programme and is hopeful of returning to action in September.

Watch our reporters’ reaction to the team news from the Kassam below.

Norwich City: Gunn; Stacey, Hanley, Duffy, Doyle; McLean, Gibbs, Nunez; Fassnacht, Sargent, Sainz. SUBS: Long (GK), Fisher, Hills, Sorensen, Forsyth, Forson, Myles, Kamara, Idah.

Oxford United: Cumming (GK), Long, Brown, Vaulks, Moore, Placheta, Brannagan, Harris, Bennett, Goodrham, Rodrigues. SUBS: Ingram (GK), McEachran, Ebiowei, Sibley, Mizouni, Leigh, Kioso, Thorniley, O’Donkor.