Central defender John McGreal is back in training and is likely to be OK to be involved in Town's home game with Bradford at the weekend.

Boss Joe Royle said: "John is back in training and he's fine. He was actually very close at the weekend, but because he has been out for so long I decided not to consider him for the Wigan game and give him a bit more time."

Less positively, Pablo Couñago missed training with a dead leg on Monday, but in any case looks likely to be dropped after being substituted at half-time against Wigan.

Chris Bart-Williams is still suffering from a back problem and will not train until Thursday.

Long-term absentee Chris Makin will have an injection on Wednesday which could save his season. The former Sunderland man will have a pain-killing jab in the hip/thigh area which is still giving him trouble despite an operation.

If the injection is not a success Makin will require further surgery and will be out for the rest of the season.

Saturday's opponents Bradford will be missing several players when they visit Portman Road, including Town loanee Alun Armstrong who is not allowed to play as part of his short-term deal.

The Bantams will also be without keeper Alan Combe, facing a three-match ban after a sending off at Gillingham.

Bradford's other senior stopper, New Zealander Mark Paston, is unfit due to a groin surgery, and with youngster Clint Davies the only remaining keeper, manager Bryan Robson may look to the loan market ahead of Saturday.

Defenders Simon Francis and Jason Gavin, and midfielder Ben Muirhead, have all accumulated five bookings and also miss the trip to Suffolk.

The problems don't stop there, with Danny Cadamarteri and Dean Windass still on the way back from injury.

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