adminIpswich Town Injury Update: Ogbene, Burns, Philogene & Szmodics Set for Crucial Championship Campaign
Chiedozie Ogbene – Like a New Signing
Chiedozie Ogbene is arguably the most exciting name in the “feels like a new signing” category ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. Ipswich sorely missed his presence last season, and he has the potential to shine at Championship level.
Ogbene arrived from Luton Town late in last summer’s transfer window but made only five Premier League appearances – three of them starts. His last outing came in October, ironically against former club Brentford, where he suffered an Achilles injury just 35 minutes into the game. That ended his season.
While there’s no official word yet, Ogbene is believed to be nearing a return to full training ahead of pre-season. After such a long spell out, he’ll likely need a gradual reintroduction to competitive action.
In his last full Championship season (2022/23), he scored nine goals and registered four assists for a struggling Rotherham side. If he can replicate that form for Ipswich, he could become one of their standout performers.
Importantly, Ipswich have lacked a quick, direct threat on the right wing – something McKenna’s system thrives on. Ogbene fits that profile perfectly and could play a major role going forward.
Wes Burns – A Longer Road to Recovery
Wes Burns, another key right-wing option, remains sidelined. Unfortunately, his recovery looks set to take longer.
The 30-year-old has been a pivotal part of Ipswich’s rise, joining the club in 2021 and contributing heavily to their back-to-back promotions. His Premier League campaign got off to a bright start against Liverpool, but a hamstring injury cut his debut short. He returned a month later, but just as he was regaining form, disaster struck – a torn ACL in the return fixture at Anfield.
It’s the kind of injury that typically sidelines elite athletes for 9–12 months, meaning he’ll likely miss all of pre-season and possibly the early stages of the new campaign too.
Whatever minutes he can manage next season will be a bonus, but his proven quality in McKenna’s system makes him an important long-term asset. With both Burns and Ogbene in the squad, Town will be far more dangerous down the right flank.
Jaden Philogene – A Fresh Start Ahead
Jaden Philogene
Things haven’t quite clicked yet for Jaden Philogene at Ipswich, but that’s understandable.
After an initial move to Suffolk collapsed due to Aston Villa triggering a buy-back clause, he returned to Villa Park only to see game time limited. Eventually, he joined Ipswich midway through the season – a tough time to adjust, especially with the club embroiled in a relegation fight.
Thrown in without full fitness and often played out of position on the right, Philogene struggled to find his rhythm. Then came an MCL injury during a match at Chelsea, ruling him out for the rest of the season – and the U21 Euros.
While disappointing, the injury has at least given him time to settle. With a full pre-season under his belt and the chance to build chemistry with his teammates, he’ll be eager to prove himself. Town invested significantly to sign him, and they’ll expect to see his best form – especially given how electric he was for Hull City in the Championship.
Sammie Szmodics – The Forgotten Danger Man
Sammie Szmodics may not be injured anymore, but his stop-start season has made him an easy player to overlook.
The attacking midfielder made a brief return in Ipswich’s final Premier League game of the season – a 3-1 loss to West Ham – marking his first appearance since late February. A strong start to the season saw him score four goals before an ankle injury away at Fulham disrupted his rhythm.
He returned for a cup match against Coventry City, but it came too soon and he was withdrawn after just 35 minutes. He also made a cameo appearance against Manchester United in stoppage time, but that was it.
Before his injury, Szmodics looked like a player who belonged in the Premier League. Now, as Ipswich return to the Championship, fans should remember what he’s capable of.
In 2022/23, he tore up the division with 27 goals in 44 games for Blackburn Rovers, plus three more in the FA Cup. With Ipswich now boasting one of the most potent attacking lineups on paper, Szmodics could be a major force – whether operating off the left or through the middle.
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Final Thoughts
Ipswich Town’s attacking depth could be significantly boosted by players returning from injury or looking for redemption. With Ogbene nearing full fitness, Philogene ready for a fresh start, Szmodics regaining form, and Burns continuing his long recovery, Town’s options out wide and in attack look promising heading into the new Championship season.
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