Ipswich Town will still be without the injured Toto Nsiala this week, but the defender is nearing fitness according to Paul Lambert.
The 27-year-old hasn’t featured yet this season and only started 17 matches as the Tractor Boys slipped out of the Championship. He was one of Paul Hurst’s signings as manager, following his previous manager from Grimsby to Shrewsbury and again to Portman Road.
Capped by DR Congo, he cost £2m in a joint deal with Jon Nolan, but having not played for two months he won’t be rushed back according to former Norwich boss Lambert.
“Toto has not played for seven or eight weeks so it’s too early for him to be involved on Saturday,” he said ahead of this weekend’s fixture against Doncaster Rovers. “Having him back in the squad when he is ready though will be massive for us.”
Lambert has undergone something of an injury crisis in recent weeks, with free agent James Wilson starting the season at centre back after being picked up following his release by Lincoln City.
Nsiala, who struggled to adapt to the pace of the Championship, will be more at home with League One, a level he’s qualified for the play-offs in during his time with Salop.
Our View
Nsiala is a powerful defender, tough in the tackle and good in the air. He looked to be out of his depth last season, but he would command a place in 75% of League One sides when he’s fit.
He’ll add value to the squad and competition for places, but whether he can kick on and be a first team regular is up for debate.
Still, with the squad Ipswich have, there isn’t a rush to get him back into the fold and that’s a good place for Paul Lambert to be right now.
