Ipswich Town manager Paul Hurst admits he’s frustrated at the repeated injury set-backs being suffered by creative midfield duo Emyr Huws and Teddy Bishop.
Homegrown youngster Bishop, 22, was a key man when the Blues secured a play-off spot in 2014/15 and had been drawing Premier League interest, but he’s made just 10 starts and 18 substitute appearances since then, mainly due to hamstring issues.
Huws, 24, was handed a four-year deal last summer following an impressive loan spell from Cardiff but a troublesome Achilles and then knee surgery means he’s made just three starts and two sub outings since becoming a permanent addition – the last of which was back in December.
Both players have featured for the club’s Under-23s this season, but Huws’ knee keeps puffing up, while Bishop had to come off in the 25th minute of a 2-0 win at Watford on Monday with another hamstring issue.
“It shouldn’t be anything to worry about, but he’s certainly not training and is therefore not fit,” said Hurst, when asked about Bishop ahead of Saturday’s Championship game against Bolton at Portman Road.
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“Emyr’s trained today, did all the session, but I think he’s had a little complaint and I haven’t had an update from that yet. Again, after one training session, he’s clearly not going to be in the shape to come into contention.”
Asked if they were players that could help his winless team move away from the foot of the table, Hurst replied: “I’ve been told that they’ll really add value to the squad and perhaps the team.
“My frustration is how long they have been injured in one shape or form. Every time we felt like we’ve been making progress with them it’s felt like we’ve taken at least one step back, if not two.
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“I honestly can’t say when I feel they will be ready. Nothing seems to be straight forwards unfortunately.”
Tom Adeyemi remains ‘a long way off’ being ready following his long-running Achilles problems, though Andre Dozzell’s progress after a long-term knee injury stepped up as he scored and played 90 minutes at Vicarage Road.
Jon Walters sat out Tuesday night’s 1-1 home draw with Brentford (Achilles) and Hurst says ‘it doesn’t look overly positive’ that he will be fit for this weekend’s action.
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