Ipswich Town defender Axel Tuanzebe is expected to be out of action for a "large chunk of the season" due to a severe hamstring injury.

The former Manchester United star was forced to leave the pitch during the final moments of Saturday’s 1-0 Premier League defeat at Nottingham Forest. Tuanzebe, who hails from the Democratic Republic of Congo, had played in Ipswich’s last three matches, after missing four games due to sustaining a deep cut on his thumb while washing dishes at home.

Ipswich, currently second from bottom in the league, are set to play against fellow strugglers Crystal Palace on Tuesday evening. "We’ve lost Axel, hamstring, long-term," Town manager Kieran McKenna said in a press conference.

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"He’s seeing specialists over the next 24 hours, hopefully it won’t need surgery but it’s a significant injury. He’s a very important player for us that we’re going to miss for a large chunk of the season. It’s disappointing for him and for us as well."

After recovering from his hand injury, Tuanzebe helped Ipswich secure a surprise 2-1 win at Tottenham and a 1-1 home draw against his former club Manchester United, before being injured in the loss at the City Ground.

His team are still waiting for their first victory at Portman Road since their promotion from the Sky Bet Championship, following four draws and two defeats. Their midweek opponents, Palace, are level on nine points with Ipswich – and 18th-placed Wolves – but sit just above the relegation zone due to a superior goal difference.

"We know it will come and we want it to come as soon as possible," said McKenna, whose team is set to play against Bournemouth on Sunday, referring to the anticipation for a home victory. "In all of our draws at home we feel we could have won. In one we should have won (1-1 against Leicester).

"We’ve got two chances to do that this week. The bookmakers probably won’t have us favourites for either game (Palace and Bournemouth), but we know we can fight for a result in every home game.

"Palace have a lot of top players, are picking up some form and we fully respect them. But it’s about us trying to deliver a performance we can get behind."

Full-back Ben Johnson (muscle) and midfielder Kalvin Phillips (ankle) participated in Monday's training session but their fitness ahead of the clash with the Eagles remains to be tested.