Ipswich Town are sweating on the fitness of skipper Luke Chambers, who cracked a rib scoring the Blues’ goal in Tuesday night’s draw at Brighton, for Saturday’s home game with Leeds United.

Chambers had a scan yesterday, confirming the injury but the blow of his possible absence could be weakened by the return of Christophe Berra, who is fit to play after missing the Brighton game with a concussion, suffered in last Saturday’s win at Aston Villa.

“Luke Chambers cracked a rib (at Brighton) when he dived in and scored his goal, so that’s been confirmed today with a scan,” said McCarthy.

“Chambo is one that we will have to consider, Tom Lawrence got booked and is suspended for two games.”

Town picked up four points from two tough away games, at the AMEX and Villa Park, and face their third game in a week on Saturday against the high-flying Whites.

“It (games against Villa and Brighton) was bruising and took it’s toll over the two games, travelling, and both games were pretty physical,” McCarthy added.

“They (players) have rested up and they will all be OK, we will see about Chambo.”

Tommy Smith, who played 90 minutes for the Blues’ under-23s at West Brom, earlier in the week, is available again after a long-term back injury, but McCarthy hinted that he was not yet ready for the blood and thunder of a Championship clash yet.

The Blues boss, who added that Cole Skuse was back fit for the clash, said:: “Tommy Smith played (for the under-23s in midweek) and is available, Paul Digby, of course, is still available and Christophe Berra (concussion) is OK for the game.

“I would not want to lose Chambo because I think he has been outstanding and deserves a lot of credit, given what was going on, on deadline day.

“I have just watched Cole Skuse in training and he has given me the thumbs-up so I am pleased with that.”

Skuse could go straight back into the Town midfield, given Toumani Diagouraga is ineligible to play against his parent club.