x

Norwood Sidelined By Hamstring Injury - Ipswich Town News

Striker James Norwood is set to be out of action for at least six weeks after tearing a hamstring in training earlier in the week.

The injury is a further blow to Norwood, who spent much of last season struggling with groin problems which required him to undergo surgery twice.

The 30-year-old has only fleetingly played a part in the opening weeks of this campaign - one start, four sub appearances - having spent most of pre-season rehabilitating from his most recent operation in February.

"It’s not as bad as first feared but the scans have shown that Nors is likely to be out for six weeks at a minimum," Town's general manager of football operations Lee O'Neill told the club site.

Norwood’s latest injury leaves the Blues short on strikers with Kayden Jackson not yet fully fit after the groin problem he suffered in training and Aaron Drinan sidelined until mid-November with a thigh issue.

Oli Hawkins impressed when making his full league debut as the cenral striker in the 2-0 victory over Rochdale at the weekend, while youngster Ben Folami is likely to come into the reckoning for a place on the bench given the lack of other fit options.

Manager Paul Lambert could weigh-up whether to make a signing as cover but the Blues are significantly hampered in their ability to make additions by the salary cap and he may in any case believe he has enough options already at his disposal with Freddie Sears also able to play down the middle.

The international transfer window closes on Monday, but clubs are able to complete domestic transfers until Friday 16th October.

News that Norwood had suffered another injury first emerged last night when he was photographed by a fan with crutches in a Stowmarket restaurant with the striker making his displeasure at having been surreptitiously snapped clear.

What to read next:

Finidi Appointed Nigeria Head Coach
Former Town winger Finidi George has been appointed the permanent head coach of Nigeria.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Huddersfield Game Live on Sky
The Blues’ final game of the season at home to Huddersfield Town on Saturday is among those being shown live on Sky Sports.
London Branch Meet-Up For Coventry Match
The London Branch of the Ipswich Town Supporters Club is inviting fellow fans to watch Tuesday’s live-on-Sky away game against Coventry City at the Brondes Age public house in Camden.
Hayes Set For Second Wembley Trip
Keeper Nick Hayes will be making two trips to Wembley next month, his Solihull Moors loan side having reached the National League Promotion Final.
Former Skipper Nets Hat-Trick in Final Game
Former Blues skipper David Norris ended his career on a dramatic note, netting a hat-trick for Lancaster City in his final match, a 4-3 Northern Premier League Premier Division defeat at FC United of Manchester on Saturday.
McKenna: Players Handling Big Three-Game Week Really Well
Town visit Coventry City live on Sky on Tuesday night knowing that a victory would take them a point away from securing promotion back to the Premier League after 22 years away.
No Dividends For PLC Shareholders
The board of the Ipswich Town PLC has written to its shareholders confirming that its stake in the club has now reduced to less than one per cent and outlining that any dividends taken out of Town in future will go solely to majority owners Gamechanger 20 Ltd.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
Rosenior: I Couldn't Be Prouder of My Players
Hull City manager Liam Rosenior said he couldn’t have been prouder of his players following last night’s 3-3 draw with Town which keeps the Tigers hopes of making the play-offs alive going into their final match and wished the Blues well for the remainder of the campaign.