Jonas Knudsen and Stephen Taylor have been ruled out for the rest of the season, Cole Skuse remains sidelined following concussion, but Tom Lawrence could return to the Ipswich Town team at Fulham on Saturday.
Danish left-back Knudsen injured his shoulder on Monday. McCarthy explained: “It just popped open in training. We’ve had some good news on him today. I think he’s going to get by with rehabbing it rather than surgery. He won’t be involved again this season though. We’re looking at four to six weeks.”
Former Newcastle United centre-back Taylor, 31, was signed on a short-term deal in January after he left MLS side Portland Timbers. He impressed on his debut against Reading, limped off with a hamstring injury in the win at Aston Villa and was then forced off with a recurrence of that hamstring problem on his return to the team for Tuesday night’s 3-0 home victory over Wigan.
“That’s Tayls finished for the season,” said McCarthy. “He’s been such a positive influence around the place – he’s a good player, a good pro, he trains brilliantly and I’ve said if he wants to come back and do a pre-season with us everybody would be happy to see him.
“If he’s fit he’s a good player. He missed pre-seaosn last season and that always leaves you in danger of getting injuries.”
Town’s 11-goal top-scorer Lawrence has missed the last two matches with a groin injury. McCarthy said: “Tom looks like he’s fine. He trained today and seemed in good shape.”
Midfielder Skuse was forced off with concussion just before half-time of Saturday’s 1-1 home draw with Birmingham and sat out the midweek win.
“Skusey won’t be available again,” said McCarthy. “He’s not been completely headache free and has been brutally honest and admitted to that. We can’t take any risks. Generally it is two weeks after concussions.
“The lads who played the other night in midfield played well. We’re alright. We’ve got cover.”
Meanwhile, Jonny Williams was back on the first team bench in midweek after overcoming the shoulder and hamstring injuries which have blighted his third loan spell at the club from Crystal Palace.
Asked if he saw the Welsh international having a longer-term future at Portman Road, McCarthy replied: “I’d like to look at him short-term and work out whether he can play and be durable first. He did well in his cameo appearance at Wigan (away), but he’s had some terrible injuries and really bad luck.”
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