Boss Mick McCarthy says loanee midfielder Jonny Williams was devastated when a scan showed he would need shoulder surgery which would keep him out of action for 12 weeks.
The 23-year-old made his first start since recovering from an ankle injury he suffered in pre-season while with parent club Crystal Palace at Wigan on Saturday, having had previous spells with Town cut short by thigh and knee problems.
McCarthy says few can have had as bad luck as the Wales international: "None much more than Jonny. There was a crash here at the front gates [of Playford Road] the other day and a car ended up on top of the chef’s car.
"Jonny’s was parked next to it. I think the only thing that could have made it worse for Jonny was if it had landed on his car. That’s the only bit of luck he’s had since he’s been here, that it missed his.
"I’m really sad for him, I spoke to him on Wednesday and I texted him as well, just wishing him well. He had his operation on Wednesday. He’s had to have his shoulder repaired and he’s got a 12-week rehab and recovery.”
He says the Pembury-born player was gutted when he discovered the extent of the injury, which he suffered when he landed on the track around the pitch at Wigan following a challenge by Latics defender Andy Kellett, who was booked as a result.
"He knew he’d taken a bang on Saturday at Wigan but while you think it’s sore, you don’t think for one minute you’re going to end up having an operation.
"He went for his scan and he was devastated when he got the news. He’s had so many injuries he just keeps having rehab, rehab and rehab, gets back and then has another one. I just wish him well for a speedy recovery.”
Given his injury problems, does McCarthy believe Williams can go on to have a long and successful career or does he fear he will continue to be hampered by injuries?
"I sincerely hope that he isn’t going to be dogged by problems which mean he can’t have a successful career, but he has such a sharp turning circle and gets away from people more often than not somebody bundles him over or kicks him.
"He draws people into that and it’s far from it being that he’s fragile because he’s not, he’s a proper little tough player.
"All the injuries he’s had, certainly since he’s been here, the tackle against Watford was appalling, the one on Saturday he got bundled on to the track and his shoulder opened up, there wasn’t a lot he could do about that. Was it his knee the other time? I can’t even remember now. They’ve all been pretty tough injuries for him.”
McCarthy says he’d be happy for Williams to undergo his rehab at Playford Road if Palace - who parted company with manager Alan Pardew yesterday - are amenable.
"He’s welcome to do that here,” he added. "Whether his parent club wants him back to do it there I don’t know. But I think they’ve got a few injuries, so maybe he’ll do it here.
"If he does, he’s welcome to, I’m always pleased to see his happy, smiling face. However he feels he’s got that big, beaming smile on his face.”
McCarthy says that rather than seeking to sign a replacement for Williams he will look to use players already at the club.
"If we could get Bish fit and I think Dozzer can play further forward,” he said. "And I’m not sure we’re going to get a direct replacement for Jonny.”
He added: "It’s not doom and gloom having lost one, but it’s doom and gloom for him. I feel really sad for Jonny that he’s just got back, he’s in the team, he played well on Saturday, he hit the post. That could have been the goal just before half-time.
"I know he’d been speaking to his agent and they were all delighted for him that he was back in the team and playing well, so I know it was devastating for him.”