Norwich City stars don ‘Stay strong Dan’ t-shirts ahead of Chelsea clash

Norwich City stars have thrown their support behind team-mate Dan Barden after the young goalkeeper was diagnosed with testicular cancer last week.

The 20-year-old – who is on loan with Scottish side Livingstone – will take a period away from the game to undergo treatment following his diagnosis.

In a club statement, the Canaries wished Barden a speedy recovery and said ‘we are with him every step of the way’.

And ahead of Norwich’s game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, Daniel Farke‘s players have warmed up in t-shirts with a supportive message for the young goalkeeper.

Black t-shirts with white font that read: ‘We’re with you stay strong Dan’ were worn by the whole squad in West London on Saturday.

Norwich City players have worn special t-shirts to support young goalkeeper Dan Barden

The Canaries announced this week that the 20-year-old has been diagnosed with cancer 

Barden’s diagnosis has rocked football in a week where Bournemouth star David Brookes announced he has stage two Hodgkin lymphoma.

The highly-rated stopper said he is optimistic and has a positive mindset ahead of a challenging period.

‘It has been a very difficult and challenging period, but the support of my family, friends and colleagues has helped get me through the last few weeks,’ Barden told the club’s official website.

Norwich players wore special warm up t-shirts that read ‘we’re with you, stay strong Dan’

The Canaries players warm up ahead of their lunchtime kick off against Chelsea on Saturday

‘I can’t thank the medical departments at both Norwich and Livingston enough, as well as everyone at the Royal Marsden Hospital. 

‘The speed at which everything has moved has been crazy, but everyone has been absolutely brilliant with me. Both Daniel Farke and the Livingston manager, David Martindale, have also been very supportive.

‘The initial diagnosis was a real shock for me, but the positive thing is that we’ve caught it early and the prognosis and next steps have all been positive.

‘I’m optimistic and have a positive mindset. I’m confident that I’ll be able to beat it and that I’ll be back out there doing what I love soon.’ 

Norwich City striker Teemu Pukki warms up in a special t-shirt for team-mate Dan Barden

The back of the shirt reads: ‘Barden 50’ to reflect the 20-year-old keeper’s squad number