Adam Proudlock is out for the season after undergoing a knee operation. The striker has been on the sidelines for much of his time at Portman Road due to a tendinitis problem.
The surgery could mean that the former Wolves and Sheffield Wednesday man has made his last appearance for the Blues, having failed to impress in his injury-hit spell since joining from the Owls, initially on loan, in October.
Since Proudlock moved to Portman Road, Danny Haynes and Billy Clarke have emerged as contenders for first team places, while Alan Lee has been signed from Cardiff for £100,000 and Ricardo Fuller has joined on loan with a view to a permanent switch. Boss Joe Royle may decide that the 24-year-old is surplus to requirements when his short-term deal is up at the end of June.
Proudlock has made three starts and six sub appearances since signing on loan after his sacking by Wednesday for several breaches of club discipline and has not scored a goal.
Meanwhile, Town's season ticket sales are reported to be on target to match last season's at this early stage.