IPSWICH Town will run late checks on Michael Chopra and Aaron Cresswell before deciding whether they can face Wanderers tomorrow.
Striker Chopra, who scored the winning goal at the Reebok back in December, is nursing a calf problem while defender Cresswell is a doubt with a sore ankle.
Ex-Newcastle United striker Chopra has only recently returned from a week out with a dead leg and he is one of several players that boss Mick McCarthy admits he may have to patch up ahead of this weekend's clash at Portman Road.
“The injuries are starting to mount up and we haven’t got the biggest squad anyway so that does make life harder,” he said.
“Chops has got a knock but we are hopeful he will be okay and Cressy has rocked his ankle, so he is a concern as well. We are optimistic they will be okay and we’ve got a few others with bumps and bruises but we have to get on with it.”
Two players who will definitely not be available will be young full-back Elliott Hewitt, who had made his debut for the club in last week's 0-0 draw with Peterborough, and striker Frank Nouble, who also featured in that game.
McCarthy reckoned he had always planned to restore Wolves loanee Richard Stearman, who has now completed a suspension and could play in his 250th career game.
“Elliott Hewitt has got a sore hip flexor and we’ve got to check that out,” the Yorkshireman said. “He’s not going to play, but he wouldn’t have played anyway because I’ve got Richard Stearman back.
“Someone asked me earlier in the week whether I had a dilemma, well no because Stears was excellent and he shouldn’t have been sent-off at Forest – even the referee’s assessor said that.
“It’s sad to have Elliott injured though because I thought he was great last week.
“Stears now knows he’s got a willing and able replacement waiting should he slip up. Stears has been terrific and there was no way I’d have left him out of the team.”
Ipswich currently sit a couple of places and four points above the drop zone, having won just once in their last five games.
They are the Championship's lowest scorers but have also conceded just once in their last four games under McCarthy.
Should Ipswich win tomorrow, it would be their first double over Wanderers in 33 years.
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