Ipswich Town are sweating on the fitness of Cole Skuse as midfield injuries mount ahead of the visit to Wolves on Saturday.
Skuse was substituted at half-time during the Blues’ 2-0 victory over Reading last weekend with an ankle injury, with the problem still requiring treatment ahead of the visit to Molineux.
Manager Mick McCarthy has a string of midfield injury problems, with the likes of Emyr Huws, Tom Adeyemi, Luke Hyam, Flynn Downes, Andre Dozzell and Tristan Nydam all sidelined, but the Blues boss has insisted he will not be risking Skuse given his side face four games in just 11 days over the festive period.
“He’s still having treatment, sadly,” McCarthy said.
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“He’s got a nasty, bruised, swollen ankle. We’re trying to get it down, we’re still hopeful but he’s doubtful for the weekend.
“What we don’t want to do is risk him for one game when we’ve got all these games coming along, so he’s not going to be limping onto the pitch with a strapping on.
“We’ve got a lot more games to come so if he’s not right he won’t be playing.”
McCarthy has recalled Irish midfielder Adam McDonnell from his loan spell at Aldershot and also has Kevin Bru available despite the Mauritius international suffering a rib injury.
MORE: Four festive crackers in just 11 days... so how will the Blues get on?
“I’ve just been looking at my board and there are eight midfield players injured,” McCarthy said.
“Kevin was one of those this morning because he got a nasty bang on the ribs and they were swollen, but he’s just old me he’s OK, will be training tomorrow and is available for Saturday.
“He’s been great whenever he’s been called upon and that just shows what a good pro he is.”
Dean Gerken is still sidelined with a hip injury, which could force McCarthy into the transfer market, while Dominic Iorfa is unavailable to play against his parent club.
MORE: Dozzell thanks Town physios as he continues injury recovery
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