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Strike Pair Have Rarely Trained - Ipswich Town News

Blues boss Paul Jewell says a lack of recent training and off-field issues contributed to strike pair Michael Chopra and Jason Scotland dropping to the bench for Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace. Town’s first choice attack only appeared for the final half hour against the Eagles.

Jewell said: "Chops has missed a lot of training — in fact he’s only really been playing matches of late. It’s the same with Jason, he’s missed a lot of training too.

"Both of them have been carrying little problems with their hamstrings and backs, which we’ve been trying to manage. And, like all people, footballers have problems in life away from work too,” he added, referring to what he describes as "personal family issues”.

In addition to Chopra and Scotland’s ongoing problems, Town have doubts regarding defenders Ibrahima Sonko (hamstring) and Damien Delaney (foot) ahead of Saturday’s visit to Millwall.

Left-back Aaron Cresswell is definitely out as he is serving his one-match ban for his red card against Palace.

Mark Kennedy and Reece Wabara are Jewell's main options to come in for the 21-year-old with the Town boss feeling youngster Joe Whight isn't yet ready for a debut and with Shane O'Connor appearing to be out of his plans.

Photo: Action Images

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