Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna claims he has a nearly complete squad to choose from for Saturday’s Premier League encounter at Brighton & Hove Albion.
Striker George Hirst has been sidelined since suffering a knee injury in a pre-season game against Fortuna Dusseldorf, winger Wes Burns limped out of the season opener against Liverpool with a hamstring injury, and Omari Hutchinson was sent home from England U21 duty last week for’medical assessment’.
“We have a full group available,” McKenna explained. “All of the boys have recovered well after the internationals, and our injuries have returned to and around the group, so we’re looking really healthy.
“Wes Burns and George Hirst both trained with the group this week, while Harry Clarke (Achilles surgery in May) joined in with the group for a little bit today for the first time.”
When asked if Burns and Hirst could play at The Amex Stadium, the Blues manager answered, “It’s not impossible.” They’ve been training with the group for almost the whole week and are both far ahead of schedule. They’re both feeling great. Of course, we’ll make the proper decision not just for this weekend and avoid unnecessary risks. However, both are currently available to join the squad.
McKenna said of Hutchinson, who has played all three Premier League games thus far: “He had a tight hamstring after the Fulham game and didn’t recover for 6/7 days, but in the latter portions of this week he felt better and has fully trained the last couple of days. Again, he will be available.”
Meanwhile, Nathan Broadhead is also too far from returning to action. The Welsh forward injured his calf during pre-season training.
“Nathan trained this week as well,” McKenna said. “It’s amazing to have him back with the quality he provides. He’s been out a little longer than the other two boys, so he might need a little more time to build up, but he’s back in full training.”