Midfielder David Norris and striker Shefki Kuqi are both expected to be back in training next week after suffering muscle tears in the 2-0 victory over Charlton. Meanwhile, Jon Walters has successfully undergone knee surgery

Kuqi damaged his hamstring, while Norris hurt his heel but boss Jim Magilton told the club site that neither injury is particularly serious: "Both lads are out of the Scunthorpe game but we feared it was going to a lot worse than that last weekend.

"They are both under the care of our medical team and, while we won't be putting a date on their likely return yet, all the signs are very encouraging. It's all positive news."

Physio Matt Byard says Kuqi is already well on the road to recovery: "Shefki in particular has made exceptional progress.

"He has been doing some deep water running this week and will undertake some light jogging as well.

"The hamstring is responding well to the treatment and we will continue to monitor his recovery, but if he progresses as we hope I'm optimistic he could be back in full training by the middle of next week.

"With David, we are being conservative in his recovery this week. He's on crutches to keep the weight off the heel and let the problem settle down.

"Like Shefki, we hope to see him back in training next week and he's certainly not been ruled out of being available for the QPR game."

Walters is out of hospital having had an operation on his knee cartilage problem, which has been adjudged a success. The striker or midfielder is expected to be back in action within six weeks.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls