Town boss Mick McCarthy has confirmed that midfielder Luke Hyam has undergone knee surgery which is expected to keep him sidelined until Christmas.
Hyam, 25, who missed the whole of last season with a knee injury and then damaged ankle ligaments, suffered another knee problem in pre-season.
Having played three U23s matches, the Ipswich-born academy product suffered a setback and has now gone under the knife.
"I spoke to him this morning and he’s had it done,” McCarthy said. "He’s had an ITB, he’s had it released, his iliotibial band that joins his knee. And he’s had a bit of scar tissue removed.
"So hopefully that will cure it and he can get back. But it might be Christmas before he’s back.
"It’s a big year for him, he’s coming out of contract. He needs to get back playing and I’m hoping he will soon.”