David McGoldrick remains sidelined with a groin injury, but the better news for Ipswich Town is that winger Ryan Fraser is closing in on a return to fitness.

McGoldrick has been out of action with the injury since before the international break and remains sidelined.

“He’s not fit, he’s not been out on the training ground now for a couple of weeks,” said manager Mick McCarthy.

“He’s still having his treatment, still having his rehab. No chance for Saturday and I think it’s unlikely we’ll be looking at him next weekend (at home to Middlesbrough) as well.”

On the Republic of Ireland international, who missed much of the second half of the previous two seasons with injuries, he added: “I’ll be honest with you, he does seem a bit down, but then all players do when they’re injured.

“You don’t see many of them with a big smile on their face because if you do the manager says ‘What are you smiling at? You’re injured’. That’s what used to happen anyway.

“We’re just desperate to get him back fit. Yes, we’re playing well and we look a real threat, but he’s a terrific player and we need him fit.

“Everyone else is fit except The Bish (Teddy Bishop), we’re still looking after him and we’re still getting him to the point where he can come and compete and not be worried about his hamstring. Everybody else is fine.”

Loanee Fraser has been out of action since suffering a knee ligament injury while on Scotland Under-21 duty at the start of October but McCarthy says he’s not far from making his return to Portman Road having undergone his rehab back with his parent club Bournemouth.

He said: “I spoke to him earlier in the week, Monday evening, and he’s done all his running, twisting and turning and he’s hoping to be back involved with the ball this week with the squad down at Bournemouth.”