Ipswich Town manager Paul Lambert has said that he does not think that he will be delving into the free agent market for a new striker after it was announced that Will Keane had suffered a hamstring injury.
Ipswich Town forward Will Keane has joined the list of injured strikers at Portman Road, leaving just Kayden Jackson and Collin Quaner as the only fit, available strikers.
Injuries to Keane, Freddie Sears and Ellis Harrison have left manager Paul Lambert with some thinking to do ahead of their important clash with fellow Championship strugglers Reading.
Speaking to the East Anglian Daily Times, Lambert provided an update on the injury to Keane.
“Will’s out with his hamstring, although we’re not sure how long for, but it’s a major blow for us because he’s been playing so well,” Lambert said.
“But that’s my point about taking loan players and the fact they are loan players for a reason. They don’t get much football at their own clubs and we’re then asking them to play three games in a week, which is really hard going.
“That’s football sometimes but it’s not an ideal scenario and definitely a blow because he was playing really well for us.
“In terms of time, I don’t know. I have a rough idea but it depends on how severe it is. Some guys can come back quickly but it all depends on his recovery. Hopefully, with a bit of luck, he’s back sooner rather than later.”
Amid their striker worries, it had been mentioned that Ipswich could look at any free agents to provide an option until at least the end of the season. However, Lambert does not seem keen on the idea.
“We’re definitely short in that area but if you don’t have a contract by March then there’s something wrong with you.
“It’s a dangerous thing to go into that market and we can’t keep paying money out. That’s my frustration with loans and free transfers because they’re not fit.”
