Kieran McKenna, the Ipswich Town manager, has expressed confidence in his team’s ongoing evolution, even after a strong performance in the Championship. Following a recent match against Norwich, McKenna noted there were several injury concerns, but the international break provided valuable recovery time for those not representing their countries.
Injury Updates and Squad Fitness
With the entire squad expected back only by Wednesday afternoon, McKenna faces a brief window to prepare before the critical match against Middlesbrough. He emphasized the productive nature of the break, allowing individual players to work specifically on their fitness. Last week, the team engaged in 11 versus 11 practice sessions, which McKenna found beneficial.
- Defender Harry Clarke is close to returning after missing the season due to a knee injury.
- Wes Burns, a midfielder from Wales, is also recovering from an ACL injury sustained in January.
Middlesbrough Match Preview
Looking ahead to the game against Middlesbrough, McKenna acknowledged their strengths. “They are a very good team, solid and strong in all phases of the game,” he said. He noted that Middlesbrough’s home performance has been characterized by stability, giving away few chances to opponents.
McKenna recognizes the challenge posed by playing on a Friday night after international duty, but he remains optimistic about the opportunity. “It dials everyone in straight away, and it’s something to look forward to tackling,” he added.
Notable Absences
Middlesbrough will be without former Ipswich defender George Edmundson. He suffered a hamstring injury during a match against Stoke City at the end of September. McKenna expressed sympathy for Edmundson but also noted the advantage for his team. “He’s a good player, so you’re always happy if he’s not on the other side of the pitch,” he remarked.
As Ipswich Town continues to evolve under McKenna’s leadership, the upcoming match promises to be a significant test of their capabilities in the Championship.
