Loanee Matthew Bates has returned to Middlesbrough after scans showed he suffered a torn cruciate ligament in addition to medial ligament damage during the second half of Saturday's defeat at Barnsley. England U19 international Bates was making only his second appearance for the Blues.

Town's head of sports science Dave Williams told the club site: "Unfortunately we can confirm that Matthew has torn his cruciate ligament and partly torn his medial ligament.

"We have spoken to the Middlesbrough medical team and they are aware of the situation and Matt is travelling back to the club."

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls