This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...
Ipswich Town have adapted well to life in League One, with Paul Lambert's side second in the table, undefeated in eight starts and only a point behind current leaders Coventry City.
Lambert had received a blow though, ahead of the weekend trip to Gillingham with the news that striker James Norwood is sidelined with a groin injury sustained in their latest win at MK Dons, after he limped off during the game.
Speaking to the press after the clash (as cited by Ipswich’s official Twitter account) about the club’s top-scorer, Lambert said:
“Norwood went off with a groin injury.
“Knowing him and how robust he is he won’t want to miss much but we’ll have to wait and see.”
So how big a blow will the loss of Norwood be to the Tractor Boys?
We discuss........
Ned Holmes
“If this is a serious one then it will be a massive blow for the Tractor Boys.
“Norwood has been fantastic for the League One side after arriving in the summer and is a big part of why they’ve started so well after last season’s relegation.
“The 29-year-old has hit the ground running at Portman Road, scoring five goals and providing two assists in seven appearances.
“It is tight at the top of League One at the moment and Lambert will be hoping that Norwood is back fit as soon as possible to ensure they can keep pace.”
Chris Thorpe
"This could potentially be a huge blow for Ipswich, with Norwood being their leading light so far this season."
"The onus will now fall on the likes of Kayden Jackson to provide the goals for the Tractor Boys, with Norwood having found the net on five occasions already this season."
"I'm sure the experienced Paul Lambert will have a trick up his sleeve to deal with this setback, with the Town boss possessing a wide array of attacking options."
"Lastly, it will be interesting to see what impact the loss of Norwood will have on the squad as a whole, as he is definitely seen as one of the leaders within their ranks."
George Dagless
"It's a potentially huge one.
"Ipswich have good players and will feel as though they can get on without Norwood if they need to but you cannot deny the ability that he has got and the goals that he brings will be missed.
"He's started this season in fine form and so to end up losing him is a real setback, the likes of Kayden Jackson will feel as though this is their chance to shine however."