Town boss Mick McCarthy has no other new injury problems aside from Jonny Williams, who will be out for 12 weeks having undergone shoulder surgery yesterday, although Tom Lawrence took a knock in training this morning but should be fine for the Boxing Day home game against Fulham.

McCarthy revealed that on-loan Crystal Palace man Williams had suffered his latest injury setback when he landed on the track around the pitch at Wigan on Saturday when challenged by Latics defender Andy Kellett, who was booked as a result.

“Really sad for him, I spoke to him yesterday and I texted him as well, just wishing him well. He had his operation yesterday,’ McCarthy said.

“He’s had to have his shoulder repaired and he’s got a 12-week rehab and recovery.”

The Town boss says he has no other new problems going into the busy Christmas run of fixtures.

“They’re all OK,” he said. “Tom Lawrence got a knock this morning and he assures me he’s fine and I hope that’s the case. Other than that, everyone’s all right.”

Regarding long-term absentees Luke Hyam and Tommy Smith, he added: “I’ve got no dates for those at all. Luke Hyam was a case that they kept giving him a date, it was going to be six weeks, it was going to be eight weeks, it was going to be 10 weeks, and I think we had to step away from that and say he’ll be ready when he is.

“But he’s got a smile on his face more in the training ground, he can see the improvement now having had to have it operated on in the end.

“Tommy continues to improve with his rehab, so whatever dates we gave Tommy I think he’ll be back on those dates.”

Speaking last weekend Smith said he was hoping to be back out on the training field before the end of the month but would need a mini-pre-season before returning to match action having been sidelined since September when he underwent back surgery.

Giles Coke is continuing his rehab after knee surgery, while Paul Digby is out until the new year, also due to a knee injury.

Teddy Bishop is also unavailable for around another couple of weeks with an ankle injury.

McCarthy admits it will be a tough task picking a team for the Fulham match with his starting XI having dominated the first half an hour during the 3-2 win at Wigan, then all three of his subs - David McGoldrick, Grant Ward and Kevin Bru - having made a significant contribution as the Blues came from behind to clinch the victory in the final 20 minutes or so.

“It’s not going to be, maybe I’ll leave 14 on, put the three subs on as well,” the Blues boss joked.

Meanwhile, reports that Arsenal striker Chuba Akpom, 21, is close to joining the Blues on loan appear to have originated from a hoax posted on Twitter.

Photo: TWTD

12th_Man added 14:33 - Dec 22 14 players and you're football will still be cr@p also knew Akpom was hoax deal nothing will happen in January
-2

ArnieM added 15:00 - Dec 22 Blub!
1

Radlett_blue added 15:05 - Dec 22 14 players on the pitch - you're such a wag, Mick!
5

jas0999 added 15:08 - Dec 22 Hopefully we will set to win the game, which means no Douglas. Let's hope rumours of loanees are indeed untrue. It would surely go against the plan announced at last nights AGM? We should be looking to introduce our youngsters into the team or buying promising players from other clubs on permanent deals. Loans and has beens on frees are now the thing of the past?!
6

jas0999 added 15:09 - Dec 22 Oh, and I'd forgotten about Giles Coke!! Thankfully!!
5

Kikapu added 15:54 - Dec 22 Typical nasty aside, jas. Worthy of you?
-1

Kikapu added 15:54 - Dec 22 Typical nasty aside, jas. Worthy of you?
-1

Ferguson added 16:33 - Dec 22 Well said Kikapu.Clearly the School holidays have started. On other matters, it SHOULD be a good game on Saturday if MM goes for it again. Town Win. FFS COYB !
4

Seasider added 16:47 - Dec 22 Several (pessimists I hope) seem to think that because JW is out means JD will return. I wouldn't think so,bearing in mind they play in different positions.He didn'feature in last game,even when Jonny went off;so would hope that Kevin Bru will get some more game time.DOnt think Andre is ready for more than just sub appearances ftb,although fullbacks are!
2

Brownie added 16:47 - Dec 22 Looking forward to the game as for a variety of reasons haven't been at any of the last 4 home games.No I'm not confident about the result but Boxing day football,couple of pints, what can go wrong? COYB!
2

jas0999 added 16:52 - Dec 22 Kikapu - please explain? My first post is related to what was discussed at last nights AGM. It's pretty much fact. Also, like most I Personally don't believe Douglas will be the answer if we wish to attack. Regarding the second post, it is meant to be light hearted - note not one, not two but four !!!!
2

Kikapu added 18:12 - Dec 22 Jas, I've seen enough comments levelled at Coke, not many of them flattering (and often surrounded with exclamation marks).  He is were he is, contracted to the club and, according to many accounts, hardly tearing up the pitch (certainly not at the moment - poor lad), but that doesn't mean he should be subjected to a year of snide remarks. Whatever your intention, jas, it is Christmas and I think all our players and staff ought to be given and treated with respect. If I'm not going to be hammered by my mate we just have to beat Fulham on Monday.  Â

1

Ipswichbusiness added 18:14 - Dec 22 Seasiders; normally I agree with your posts, but I'm against you on Bru/Dozzell. I regard Dozzell as a fine young player who will improve further with game time and responsibility. I would like to see him brought in alongside the inevitable Skuse. Nonetheless, I would like to wish you, and everyone else on this website, the compliments of the season.
1

12th_Man added 18:27 - Dec 22 Ferguson why are you going Saturday itfc not playing till Monday
0

NoelTheDub added 18:33 - Dec 22 Out goes Jonny and in comes Douglas nailed on that one I was hoping Mick might keep the same side as last week but looks like Dougie won the lotto again.
0

jas0999 added 19:56 - Dec 22 Kikapu - point taken. I've been very critical of Coke and was just making light of it. I won't be changing my opinion mind, he isn't in my opinion good enough. A view shared by many. I do however wish him a speedy recovery and all the very best, but I'm sire it won't be at ITFC as suspect he will be released in the summer.
1

Kikapu added 20:05 - Dec 22 I'm sure you are right that the chances are his future lies elsewhere. He's still a human being though and, like the Queen, he can't reply to comments. I'm hoping (against hope) that one day she'll tell Trump where to get off.
0

Edmundo added 20:30 - Dec 22 Time to hope against hope that we get the best Christmas presents: 1. A good crowd and atmosphere 2. A good performance 3. Points Merry Christmas one and all. Keep the faith and this time next year we could be top of the league!
2

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls