Kieran McKenna of Ipswich Town gives a positive injury update
The Blues are aware that they will be up against a formidable Boro team on Teesside as they look to widen their lead over the chasing pack in the Championship.
The only players not available for McKenna’s team will be the injured Evans (knee), Massimo Luongo, and Brandon Williams, who are both on suspension for receiving five yellow cards.
“This is maybe our first training week since pre-season with the whole squad available that hasn’t been an international week,” said the coach.
Only the two suspensions and, of course, Lee Evans are involved.
We’ll have to decide whether or not Janoi [Donacien] is ready to return to the squad after training for a few days this week.
“If not, he should be available for some of the games next week.”
Williams and Luongo both contribute a great deal of physicality and aggression to the team, making them difficult to replace. But, McKenna has a deep squad at his disposal, so others will have the opportunity to fill in for them if necessary.
“We have a squad for that very reason,” he clarified.
“I know Massimo would have loved to have played in this game against his former employers, so it’s a little frustrating for him to receive the yellows in the final game before the break.
That’s just how things work. Big games are starting to roll in thick and fast. For those who can make it, this is our entire attention.
“On the other hand, we have an equally challenging away game against Watford three days later. It provides us with an opportunity and a reason to use the squad.
“If we manage to stay injury free, it’ll hopefully give us two fresh players for Tuesday night.”
