Pat Murphy, reporting on the BBC's Radio Five Live, suggested that the Canaries are slight favourites for the tie, but that they will be missing as many as eight first-teamers, including potentially their top scorer.
Ashton, who has been linked with several Premiership clubs, was said by Nigel Worthington to be sure to start as he was unconcerned about the player being cup-tied. Rumours of him withdrawing from the side at this late stage with a "calf injury" will do little to allay fans' fears of his imminent departure.
City are already without the suspended Darren Huckerby and Youssef Safri, who is on international duty, as well as a number of players through injury. Full team news will appear here when it is announced.