Republic of Ireland striker Jonathan Walters is out of next month's Nations League clashes with Denmark and Wales as he faces up to six months on the sidelines.
The 35-year-old suffered a partially ruptured Achilles tendon after coming on as a substitute in Ipswich's goalless Sky Bet Championship draw with Bolton on Saturday and has now been told by a specialist that he will be out of action for much of the rest of the season.
A statement on itfc.co.uk read: "Town have been dealt a blow with the news that Jon Walters has been ruled out for six months with an Achilles injury."
"The Republic of Ireland international limped off minutes after going on as a second-half substitute in Saturday's goalless draw with Bolton.
"The striker, on loan from Burnley until January, had a scan at the weekend and then saw a specialist in London today, with the news that he has a partial rupture of his Achilles.
"No surgery is needed, but he is expected to be out of action for six months."
Walters added: "I'm obviously gutted with the news, that's football though. That's life I suppose as well and while I'm really disappointed, there are a lot of people worse off than me.
"I'll work hard and get back to fitness as soon as I can. I've enjoyed being back here and I want to wish the Club all the best for the rest of the season."
Ipswich are still looking for their first win of the season but the point against Bolton was enough to move them off the bottom of the table.