Norwegian midfielder Vemund Brekke Skard has been pencilled in to have a groin operation next week. The surgery is likely to keep the former Brumunddal player out of action until the transfer window opens in January.

Physio Dave Williams told the club site: "It's something that has not stopped Vemund playing in Norway and he has been training fine and could play games here as well.

"It's been a long-term injury but we have taken him to see a specialist and he says that a groin repair will be necessary at some stage.

"We have not nailed a date for the surgery yet, but it's likely to be next week and will mean Vemund being out for a month to six weeks.

"It's an operation that could have been carried out at the end of the season but, with Vemund not clear to play until January anyway, it makes sense to do it now.

"At the moment he is 90-95% capacity but if the operation goes OK - and there is no reason to think otherwise - he will be 100% by the start of the new year."

Town are now unlikely to push for Skard to be available before January.

The 24-year-old, who impressed on a week's trial last month, has agreed an 18-month deal with the Blues but is yet to sign the contract.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls