Kieran McKenna reveals injury blows – and discusses Szmodics departure | OneFootball

Kieran McKenna says that Jaden Philogene will not feature against Derby tomorrow, but is expected to be back in training next week.

Marcelino Nunez will also miss out due to an ankle injury.

“Unfortunately a slight regression there, nothing major but neither of them have quite managed to make the progress this week, so won’t be involved in the Derby game,” McKenna said.

Ipswich only made two signings in January. However, McKenna revealed that he was focusing on quality over quantity. He said the squad is deliberately lean so “players don’t feel too far away from the first team.”

Sam Szmodics left the club on loan for Derby until the end of the season. McKenna spoke about the Irishman’s departure, admitting it was not down to football reasons.

He said: “It was a decision made in the best interests of our group dynamic and dressing room culture. You can’t always give supporters the full picture. But it’s my responsibility to do what is right for the football club.”