Confirmed: Kieran McKenna reveals triple Ipswich Town blow ahead of Birmingham | OneFootball

Kieran McKenna confirmed the full extent of the injury problems facing his Ipswich squad

Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna faces somewhat of an injury crisis ahead of Friday night's match at Birmingham City, with three players all set to miss the season opener at St Andrews.

The timing of these setbacks is particularly frustrating for McKenna, who praised his squad's preparation throughout pre-season, saying "it was good to get the group away", regarding their camp in Austria.

Despite the 3-0 victory over Auxerre featuring goals from George Hirst, Jacob Greaves, and Ali Al-Hamadi, the match will be remembered more for the injuries sustained than the result achieved.

Three Town players set to be out for Blues clash

Speaking ahead of the much-anticipated clash with Birmingham City, McKenna confirmed the full extent of the injury problems facing his Ipswich squad. The most serious concern is left-back Conor Townsend, who has been ruled out for an extented period with an ACL injury.

"Conor's got an ACL injury", McKenna said to media. "He's seeing a surgeon this week and will get the operation at the earliest opportunity. That's a big, big blow for Conor, a big blow for us as well with what we believed he would give us this season in the left-back position."

The 32-year-old defender collapsed to the ground with no one near him during the friendly encounter with Auxerre and was later seen with a brace on his leg and walking on crutches.

Regarding Leif Davis and Jaden Philogene, both of whom have been key to McKenna's plans, the Town boss delivered equally concerning news.

Davis missed the Auxerre fixture entirely with an unspecified knock, while Philogene limped off in the second half after landing awkwardly on his ankle.

"As it stands, both are struggling, to be honest," McKenna admitted. "We'll give them both right to the last minute if we can, because both are important players who had good pre-seasons up until that point."

McKenna reveals who could start against Birmingham at left-back

With Townsend ruled out long-term and Davis a doubt, McKenna faces a difficult reshuffle in the left-back position for the Tractor Boys.

The manager indicated that new signing Ashley Young, who can play on either flank, along with Ben Johnson, could provide cover in that area. "We have two right-backs in terms of Ashley Young and Ben Johnson, who have both played left-back in their careers," he said.

With the transfer window still open till September 1st, McKenna may now be forced to reassess his squad requirements - particularly in defensive areas where the majority of problems have occured.

Harry Clarke, who also missed the Auxerre game, is already dealing with a knee tendon issue that could keep him out for several weeks.

The match against Birmingham will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, and will surely be one of the most closely watched fixtures of the opening weekend - given how both sides are highly-rated to be pushing for promotion.