Ipswich’s Lawrence winning fitness race
Ipswich are optimistic that leading scorer Tom Lawrence will be fit and ready for Saturday’s visit of play-off chasing Sheffield Wednesday.
Lawrence, on loan from Leicester, has returned to training after picking up an ankle injury in the win over Newcastle, which saw him then sit out last weekend’s defeat at relegated Rotherham, where Town boss Mick McCarthy freshened up the team with nine changes.
Midfielder Toumani Diagouraga (groin) is not available, but the likes of forward David McGoldrick should return to the side along with midfielders Cole Skuse, Emyr Huws and Grant Ward.
Jonny Williams, on loan from Crystal Palace, has been ruled out for the rest of the season by a hamstring problem. Danish defender Jonas Knudsen (shoulder) and centre-half Steven Taylor (hamstring) remain out, along with Adam Webster and midfielder Luke Hyam, who are both recovering from ankle injuries.
Wednesday midfielder David Jones is set to return after missing last weekend’s win over Derby because of illness.
His replacement Kieran Lee played 56 minutes on his first appearance since January 2 after a hip problem, but could make way.
Defender Sam Hutchinson returned to training this week after a calf injury, but after missing five matches it may be too soon for him to rejoin the squad.
Head coach Carlos Carvalhal admits striker Fernando Forestieri will not be fully fit again this season after a knee injury last month, but is expected to continue to play a part from the bench again for the third match running.