Arnor Sigurdsson is set to miss the rest of the season through injury, Rovers boss John Eustace has confirmed.

The winger was forced off during Iceland’s 4-1 win against Israel following a reckless tackle by Roy Revivo that saw he defender sent off. Sigurdsson missed the 2-1 defeat against Ukraine several days later.

It is a blow for Rovers heading into the final eight games of the Championship season as they aim to pull away from the drop zone.

Eustace is hopeful there are no further injuries from international duty as he prepares for the visit of Ipswich on Good Friday.

“I haven’t seen anyone yet, they are still not back,” he said at his pre-match press conference. “They will all be back (on Thursday).

“Siggy is a big blow for us. He took a nasty kick and will unfortunately be out for the rest of the season, I think.

“It was a very late tackle, he has had a scan on it and it is going to be at least 10 weeks. Siggy has come in and done very well over the last couple of games, I have been really pleased with his level of performances.

“He is an international player who can score goals, so he will be a loss to us. But it will also give somebody else an opportunity to step in.”

Meanwhile, Hayden Carter is set to return to the squad against the Tractor Boys after returning to full training.

The defender hasn’t featured since picking up a hamstring injury during the 1-1 draw against Huddersfield in January.

“I am sure he will be in the squad,” Eustace added. “We watched him on Monday in the Under-21s and he looked fine.

“We have got real good competition for places at the back, we have to remember that. We have got a lot of centre-halves. It is important we don’t rush him but he will play a big part in the final eight games.”

John Buckley also picked up a knock in training. Eustace confirmed it is “nothing serious” but the midfielder is a doubt to play on Friday.

“John went off in training a couple of days ago, he took a bit of a jar to the knee,” the head coach explained. “It is nothing serious, he will be touch and go for the weekend. We will have to wait and see.

“John has been fantastic, obviously coming in from playing no games at all. We have had to manage him properly.

“He has really played through the barrier at times with his fitness and competitiveness of the games. The way he has kept going has been fantastic.

“We have tried to look after him as much as we can, he is a top quality performer and someone I admire a lot. He is going to play a big, big part from now until the end of the season.”

Joe Rankin-Costello is also closing in on a return, although the Ipswich clash might come too soon for the versatile full-back.

“Joe played for the Under-21s on Monday with Hayden and both got 60 minutes in the bank,” said the head coach.

“It is good to see them and we will see how Joe turns up for the weekend. Obviously, he has been out for a long time.

“We looked at him in training today and he looked OK. We have to keep assessing him every day.”