Journalist Stuart Hodge has claimed about Teemu Pukki has played too much football over the last 12 months.

What has Hodge said about Pukki?

Pukki has played an incredible number of games in recent seasons. The frontman has missed just 10 league games since signing for Norwich three years ago – making 130 appearances across all competitions.

He's also continued to be Finland's main man on the international stage, and after they historically qualified for this summer's European Championship, the Norwich man ended up playing far more games than in a normal season.

Not only did Pukki start each of their group stage matches, but he also featured in their warm-up game against Estonia, and has now racked up 93 caps for his country.

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ENTER GIVEAWAY

Since the beginning of last season, Pukki has played 60 times for club and country, which has left Hodge slightly concerned.

He told GIVEMESPORT: "He's just played too much football the guy. He's been Norwich's main go to man for that massive period of time.

"Covid pandemic, condensed fixture list, you need to rely on your main striker and as a result of all that, I don't think he was at his best at the Euro's, but it was great to see him there because what a moment for that country. I was really worried he was going to miss it."

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Does Hodge have a point?

He absolutely does. Fortunately for Pukki, he's managed to stay injury-free, but with games coming thick and fast, he's at risk of that changing and his schedule catching up on him.

As for Norwich, if they have any chance of avoiding another relegation from the Premier League, then it surely rests on the fitness and form of Pukki.

Whilst he'll want to play in every game, Daniel Farke has a huge task on his hands to prevent him from burning out.

How has Pukki performed this season?

He has a disappointing WhoScored rating of just 6.15 this season, which puts him 13th in the  Norwich squad.

In Pukki's defence, though, the Canaries have already played Liverpool, Manchester City, Leicester, and Arsenal in their opening four matches, which has proved an extremely difficult task for the lone striker.

He did get off the mark from the penalty spot against the Foxes, but is averaging just 1.5 shots per game, which epitomises his early season frustrations.