Ipswich manager Paul Jewell has announced striker Michael Chopra is receiving treatment for a gambling addiction.
Striker set to return to first XI while battling to overcome addiction
Ipswich manager Paul Jewell has announced striker Michael Chopra is receiving treatment for a gambling addiction.
The 27-year-old recently received three weeks of treatment for the 'illness' after checking in to the Sporting Chance Clinic in Hampshire.
Chopra, formerly of Newcastle and Sunderland among six previous clubs, has still been playing for Ipswich during his battle to overcome the addiction, although he was dropped to the bench in last Saturday's defeat to Crystal Palace.
He is set to return to the first XI against Millwall this weekend and boss Jewell wants everyone associated with the club to continue to offer Chopra maximum support in his recovery.
Brave
"Chops has a gambling problem. It's an illness," Jewell told Ipswich's
official website.
"But he's doing something about it. He is standing up and facing the problem head on and he deserves credit for that. It's a brave man that does that.
"He went into the Sporting Chance Clinic after the Brighton game and spent three weeks there. He has just come out for games and that's why I left him out against Palace last weekend.
"He needs the help of the players around him, myself , the chief executive, and most importantly the supporters. He is desperate to do well for this football club and loves it here.
"We have been there for him and we will continue to be there for him. All I ask is for the supporters to be there for him as well. I'm sure they will be because we're lucky, we have a great set of supporters at this club."
