Ipswich Town boss George Burley has been left counting the cost of Sunday's drawn game with Fulham in the Barclaycard Premiership.

For Burley and the Blues are going to be without the services of their £3m Nigerian winger Finidi George for some time, although there is consolation in the fact that the injury is not as bad as was first thought.

George, 30, a summer signing from Real Mallorca, clashed with Fulham defender Alain Goma in the 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage as he attempted to meet a corner.

The result was a fractured cheekbone, but following surgery yesterday (Monday) afternoon, Burley was lifted by the news that George is likely to be out for just six weeks - and not three months as was first predicted.

George has only turned out 11 times in a Blues shirt since his signing on August 17, scoring three goals.

Two came in his first home game for Ipswich when he set Portman Road alight with a ten out of ten performance in a 3-1 win over visiting Derby.

Since then, his form has been patchy, although there is no doubting his quality.

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