Kieran McKenna has offered an update on Ipswich Town’s injury news before their trip to Home Park.
Ipswich Town have been dealt a huge blow ahead of their game against Plymouth Argyle this weekend.
The club has stated on Twitter that both Wes Burns and Nathan Broadhead will be missing the trip to Home Park.
The Tractor Boys have won four consecutive league games, with each starting three times (all stats from Fbref).
Broadhead is the club’s joint leading goalscorer in the Championship this season, with 11 in 30 appearances, including 24 starts.
Burns has also scored five goals on the opposite flank, and the tandem has two assists each.
Ipswich Town’s injury blow
McKenna stated ahead of Saturday’s encounter that Burns and Broadhead have muscular concerns that will prevent them from playing against the Pilgrims.
This will be a setback to the manager, who has used both on either flank fairly consistently throughout the season.
“Wes and Nathan are unavailable this weekend,” McKenna told the East Anglian Daily Times.
“These are modest muscular strains.
“It’s improbable that they’ll be ready for Tuesday’s home game against Bristol City.
“For the following Saturday [against Cardiff City], we’ll have to wait and see.
Their absence might also have a significant impact on the club’s promotion campaign, as the competition for a top two berth has heated up in recent weeks.
Ipswich will be aiming to capitalise on any mistakes made by Leeds United, so Burns and Broadhead should not be out of action for long.
There is no timetable for their probable comeback, but a muscular strain could be a temporary injury for the two.
Ipswich also has Jeremy Sarmiento and Omari Hutchinson to fill in for them, so the Tractor Boys should be able to pitch their customary formation without forcing too many players out of position.
Ipswich Town’s league position
The Suffolk club is now third in the Championship table, level on points with second-place Leeds.
The Whites lead due to a higher goal difference, but there are still 12 games remaining to determine who will earn the second automatic promotion spot.
The margin to league leaders Leicester City is now only six points, so the Foxes may potentially be dragged in during the last months of the season.
Ipswich will play Plymouth on March 2 at 3 p.m. at Home Park.
A test of McKenna’s management.
While Ipswich has the depth to replace starters, doing so will make their bench worse in the short run.
This will be a test of McKenna’s in-game management, since he has made effective use of replacements this season.
An early goal against Plymouth will greatly alleviate any concerns about this situation, although a trip to Home Park will be difficult given Ian Foster’s team’s current form.
McKenna will be hopeful the pair return soon, as any absences at this point in the season can have a significant impact on their promotion chances.
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