Ipswich Town faces a tough challenge to retain its place in the Premier League.
After securing promotion from the Championship last season in an impressive second-place finish behind Leicester City, Ipswich Town rose to the top flight alongside Southampton. However, all three promoted sides have struggled this season. Currently sitting in the relegation zone with Wolves just ahead, Ipswich, Leicester, and Southampton are at risk of an immediate return to the Football League unless they can turn their form around quickly.
The Tractor Boys recently suffered an FA Cup exit, losing to Nottingham Forest on penalties. Their next fixture sees them travel to Selhurst Park for a crucial away match against Crystal Palace.
Ipswich Town’s Defensive Injury Concerns
Christian Walton – Out
The goalkeeper remains sidelined but is making progress in his recovery. Manager Kieran McKenna provided an update, stating that Walton has resumed light training with goalkeeping coaches but has yet to rejoin the main squad. *Expected return date: 01/04/2025.*
Cameron Burgess – Out
Burgess is dealing with a calf injury, and there is no clear timeline for his return. *Expected return date: Unknown.*
Axel Tuanzebe – Out
The defender has suffered a hamstring injury, and its severity remains unclear, meaning no return date has been set. *Expected return date: Unknown.*
Kalvin Phillips – Needs Assessment
The on-loan Manchester City midfielder is being closely monitored, with his availability for the Crystal Palace match still uncertain. McKenna stated that Phillips is making progress but is not yet training with the group. *Expected return date: 08/03/2025.*
Ipswich Town’s Attacking Struggles
Wesley Burns – Out
The winger is facing a long-term absence after undergoing ACL surgery. McKenna reassured that the operation went well, with minimal additional knee damage, but Burns will not return this season. *Expected return date: 01/01/2026.*
Chiedozie Ogbene – Out
Signed from Luton Town last summer, Ogbene’s debut season has been plagued by injuries. He recently underwent surgery for an Achilles tear, ruling him out for the majority, if not all, of the season. *Expected return date: 01/06/2025.*
Omari Hutchinson – Out
Hutchinson is dealing with a knee injury that will sideline him for at least a few more games. McKenna confirmed that while the issue is not extremely serious, it is still significant enough to keep him out for the foreseeable future. *Expected return date: 12/04/2025.*
Julio Enciso – Out
The Brighton & Hove Albion loanee remains in recovery from a knee injury. Although he has yet to resume training on the pitch, McKenna noted that Enciso is progressing well and working hard in the gym. *Expected return date: 01/04/2025.*
Samuel Szmodics – Out
Szmodics has suffered a recurrence of a previous ankle injury, and his return timeline remains uncertain. *Expected return date: Unknown.*
Conor Chaplin – Out
Similar to Szmodics, Chaplin is struggling with a reoccurring knee issue, and there is no definitive return date at this stage. *Expected return date: Unknown.*
Ipswich Town’s growing injury list only adds to their difficulties as they battle to avoid relegation. With key players unavailable, McKenna faces an uphill task in guiding his team to safety.
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