Thatcher joined Ipswich in the summer after being released by Charlton

Ipswich defender Ben Thatcher has been ruled out for up to six weeks after tearing his right thigh during the defeat by Wigan in the Carling Cup.

The 32-year-old will need to rest for 10 days before starting rehab.

Town physio Matt Byard told the club website: "You can't put down a definite return date because we don't know how quickly the tear will heal."

Thatcher was replaced at half-time in his first appearance since recovering from a dead leg earlier in the month.

Ipswich have revealed two other defenders are slight doubts for their game with Crystal Palace at Portman Road on Saturday.

David Wright has a minor calf problem while Moritz Volz has a tight hamstring.

Striker Pablo Counago is also unlikely to be involved although scans on a training injury have shown no serious damage to his twisted ankle.