INJURY AGONY STRIKES HITMAN FREDDIE
IPSWICH forward Freddie Sears was left “devastated” after being told he faces up to a year on the sidelines with a cruciate injury.
The former West Ham player damaged his knee in a tackle with Norwich’s Tom Trybull during last Sunday’s 3-0 derby defeat at Carrow Road.
A scan has shown Sears suffered an ACL injury and the 29-year-old will undergo surgery in the next couple of weeks before embarking on the long road to recovery.
Town physio Matt Byard explained: “The scan has confirmed a cruciate ligament injury in his right knee.
“He will see a specialist later this week who will determine the time frame, but it’s likely that surgery will take place in the next two weeks.
“We will know more from the specialist, but with this type of injury, you are looking at nine to 12 months recovery.”
Sears, who has scored six goals in 26 appearances this season, added: “I’m obviously devastated, but I want to thank the fans for their support.”
Town boss Paul Lambert admitted the news was a huge setback for his struggling side.
The Scot said: “There is no hiding from the fact that it’s a devastating blow for us and for Freddie.
“I never saw that news coming either. He tried to run it off so when we found out the extent of the injury on Monday, it came as a real shock – especially to Freddie. He’s been great for us and we are going to miss him.
“That’s three players out with an ACL, with Grant Ward and Ben Morris. Ben Folami is going to be out for seven or eight months with his Achilles, and Emyr Huws and Tom Adeyemi have been long-term injuries as well. I’ve never seen that at any club I’ve been at, that many players out.”