Ipswich defender John McGreal has been ruled out for the rest of the season with knee ligament damage.
McGreal, who returned for the the Blues' second string side against West Ham last night was stretched off in the 34th minute.
His injury is so severe that he will have to wait for the swelling to go down before he can have an x-ray next week.
It is a serious blow to Town who were hoping to strength their defence for their remaining four games as they push for a play-off spot.
Ipswich have struggled with a make-shift back line which has seen striker Richard Naylor switch to the back and play alongside captain Matt Holland.
However the Naylor, Holland and Chris Makin partnership was visibly weak against Nottingham Forest at Portman Road when the Blues lost 4-3.
For McGreal it has been a torid season which has seen him struggle with knee and back injuries.
Boss Joe Royle said: "I feel terrible for John, he is a thoroughly nice man who doesn't deserve this."
Published Wednesday, April 16, 2003
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