Ipswich Town right-back Axel Tuanzebe is facing at least a month out after sustaining a hand injury while doing the washing up.
The former Manchester United and Aston Villa defender missed Saturday’s defeat to West Ham United after cutting his thumb in what head coach Kieran McKenna described as a “very unfortunate accident”.
McKenna confirmed on Saturday Tuanzebe, 26, had undergone surgery on the domestic injury and discussions were ongoing with a specialist over the best course of action.
“He’s going to be out a little while, so we’re going to have to adjust and regroup as a team,” McKenna said.
“He’s done a hand injury, a very unfortunate accident. He’s had a surgery and he’ll be out for a while.
“To be honest, we don’t know (exactly how long), it’s not going to be a couple of weeks, it’s probably going to be longer but we’re still in discussion with the specialist about what’s the quickest return.”
Tuanzebe had started the first six of newly-promoted Ipswich’s Premier League matches this season, and earned praise from Brighton and Hove Albion head coach Fabian Hurzeler following his performance at the Amex Stadium in September’s 0-0 draw.
The DR Congo international joined Ipswich on a free transfer in September 2023 following the expiration of his Manchester United contract.
The previous few years of his career had been disrupted by injury but he made 21 appearances in all competitions during the 2023-24 campaign and established himself as Ipswich’s first-choice right-back during the latter stages of the season as the club won promotion to the Premier League.
Summer signing Ben Johnson came into the starting XI in Tuanzebe’s absence against West Ham, while right-back Harry Clarke returned to the bench for the first time this season after undergoing Achilles surgery in the summer.
Saturday’s loss to West Ham left McKenna’s side without a win from their opening seven top-flight matches.
Ipswich return to action against Everton after October’s international break.
(Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
