Ipswich Town forward David McGoldrick is expected to be sidelined for a month after today undergoing surgery on a deep cut in his groin.

The Republic of Ireland international suffered the wound when Sheffield Wednesday captain Glenn Loovens raked his studs down the front of him in the early stages of last night’s 2-2 home draw at Portman Road and eventually had to be replaced at half-time.

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“Didz has had surgery in London this afternoon,” Town physio Matt Byard told the club website.

“The wound was cleaned and closed. There is some damage to the abdominal wall and muscle but fortunately it appears to be minimal.

“There is heavy bruising in the area though and we are looking at a return in around four weeks.”

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That sort of timescale is likely to see the striker – who has scored eight goals this season – miss the next five games as Town face Aston Villa (a), Derby (a), Nottingham Forest (h), Middlesbrough (a), and Reading (h).

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He could possibly be back in contention in time for a trip to current Championship leaders Wolves or the Boxing Day visit of QPR.