Midfielder Grant Ward says he is ahead of schedule following surgery on the cruciate knee ligament injury he suffered at QPR on Boxing Day but knows he faces a lengthy period of rehabilitation.

“The operation went well,” the 24-year-old told the club site. “Alex [Chapman, assistant first-team physio] was in the operating theatre so he watched it. The surgeon is happy with the way it went and I’m ahead of schedule at the moment. "

“The first few weeks I couldn’t really straighten my leg too well but now I feel a bit more back to myself. It’s good to be back at the training ground as well. That helps, seeing the lads, having a chat and being around the place again.""

“I’m doing work on the bike. I’m working on technique and strengthening the leg. I’ve not done any weight work yet. It’s more about stability of the joint. It’s an injury that I can’t rush, I know that.”""

Ward is expected to be sidelined for between nine and 12 months, while Freddie Sears, who suffered a similar injury at Norwich earlier this month, has successfully undergone his operation. It's anticipated that the striker, 29, will also be out for nine months to a year.

Surgery ✅

Speedy recovery, Freddie! 💪 #itfc pic.twitter.com/8BBa83jVCI

— Ipswich Town FC (@IpswichTown) February 28, 2019

Photo: Pagepix

GerkensBeard added 20:08 - Feb 28 Wow I don't know how that's possible he was on crutches and could barely walk when I saw him outside buttermarket last month. Will be an asset in league 1
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Cakeman added 20:36 - Feb 28 Hopefully both will stay positive and recover well and can look ahead to a bright future. Next season and beyond really does feel like it could be a fresh start for all.
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ArnieM added 21:52 - Feb 28 Whilst it's absolutely brilliant news for Ward, I can't help but think , god why can't it be Huws or Walters that is ahead of schedule !!
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NewEraNewMe added 00:07 - Mar 1 Im not meaning to be harsh..but he wasn't a focal point in lamberts plans when he was fit and fighting, will Ward still be here next season? Id like to see him get given a run in League 1 as he could be very good, but there was talk he may not even get a new deal, very happy that the surgery and recovery is going well for him though and very happy for Freddie, will be a big asset in league 1!

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shakytown added 07:16 - Mar 1 Hope he gets fit and we can get a few quid back when we sell him. Not good enough for the championship and we need to be looking elsewhere for better quality because even if we are relegated we will need players who can hack it if we get back straightaway.
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Swailsey added 08:39 - Mar 1 ARNIE - Walters doesn't play for us anymore. His loan finished in January, regardless of injury.
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ArnieM added 10:16 - Mar 1 Yes I know he doesn't and that he'll have gone back to Burnley. But not sure if we could get him back if / when he gets fit?
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