[Mighty T.A.L.]

Naylor facing long absence

Ipswich defender Richard Naylor looks set to face three months on the sidelines after having an operation on his recurring foot injury.

Naylor missed three months at the end of last season because of the injury, but was thought to have recovered from the problem over the summer.

However, after feeling discomfort in pre-season training, a London specialist was called in for further investigation and it was decided the player would undergo surgery.

"Richard has had an operation to repair a cartilage tear in the first metatarsal," club physio Matt Byard told Ipswich's official website.

"The surgery was carried out in a London hospital and we are looking at a rehabilitation programme likely to last 12 weeks."

Meanwhile, the club has released trialist Arsene Menassou.

The 19-year-old right-back arrived from Le Havre last week, but did not do enough to secure a deal.

"Arsene did well in his time here but we will not be taking it any further," said chief scout Steve McCall.

Fellow trialist Cesar Navas has also left the club to get treatment in Spain for a broken toe.

The Malaga defender, who was on loan at Gimnastic last season, sustained the injury while playing for Ipswich against Crawley last week.

Source: Skysports