Richard Wright is set to be sidelined for four months, leaving Ipswich Town in the midst of a goalkeeping crisis.

Wright was injured during the 2-1 victory at Cardiff City on Sunday and, having undergone a scan on his knee, the prognosis is not good.

Town Physio Matt Byard said: “Richard has a partial tear to his cruciate ligament.

“We will manage his recovery conservatively and at this stage we are very hopeful that he will not require surgery.

“You can never be exact in a recovery time but with this type of injury, we expect Richard to be out for around four months.”

Wright’s injury is a massive blow for both him and manager Roy Keane.

It was Wright’s first game back since being dropped in favour of Portsmouth loanee Asmir Begovic, who was recalled by the Premier League club last week.

Arran Lee-Barrett took over between the sticks when Wright went off, for what was his Town debut.

And with youngsters Ian McLoughlin, 19, and Tottenham loanee Mirko Ranieri, 17, the only other keepers in Town’s ranks until January, when Irishman Brian Murphy arrives from Bohemians, Keane will be hoping to acquire an experienced last line of defence before Town go to Bristol City on Saturday.

With the transfer window having closed, Town require special dispensation from the Football League to sign another keeper – permission which is not always granted.

Meanwhile, Brentford are keen to keep on-loan Blues defender Pim Balkestein.

The Dutchman’s spell is due to end in the middle of the month and Bees boss Andy Scott wants to extend it into the New Year.

Balkestein was not allowed to play in the FA Cup at the weekend, suggesting he is still in Keane’s plans.