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Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has confirmed star man Jaden Philogene is a doubt for Saturday’s clash with Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

The winger, who scored a hat-trick when the Tractor Boys beat the Blades 5-0 at Portman Road back in September, was forced off in the first half of Saturday’s 3-0 win over Blackburn Rovers with a knee issue, sparking fears he could be set for a spell on the sidelines.

McKenna, speaking in the immediate aftermath of the win over Rovers, said it was too early to say how long he could be unavailable for, admitting he would not know more until he had had a scan.

Unfortunately for Philogene, who has scored nine Championship goals this season, and Ipswich, he was absent for their 2-0 win over Bristol City at Portman Road on Tuesday night, meaning Jack Clarke came into the starting XI in his absence and scored both goals to help the Tractor Boys clinch a fifth successive win in league and cup.

Issuing an update on Philogene post-match, McKenna confirmed he had undergone a scan on Tuesday, confirming he is not set for a lengthy stint on the sidelines, but he has played down the likelihood of him being available for the trip to Bramall Lane.

Philogene doubtful for Blades clash

McKenna, as quoted by the East Anglian Daily Times, said: “He’s had a scan today. It’s thankfully not a long-term injury, without putting a timescale on it because he’s still sort of being assessed.

“It’s not a very, very serious injury, a very long-term injury. It will be a day-by-day assessment.

“I would have thought Saturday would be a challenge, but beyond that, the games after that, we just have to take it day-by-day and see how he recovers.”

Meanwhile, Ipswich may also be sweating over the availability of midfield architect Marcelino Núñez after he was forced off in the second half of the victory over the Robins with an ankle issue.

“He’s felt something in his ankle,” McKenna revealed. “I’m not sure whether it was a twist or a knock. We’ll see how he is.”

Elsewhere, Chuba Akpom is expected to miss the clash with the Blades after once again being absent from the matchday squad on Tuesday night. The Ipswich attacker missed the weekend’s victory over Blackburn due to a groin issue, and McKenna admitted he was doubtful for the clashes with Bristol City and the Blades.

Speaking at the weekend, McKenna said: “Chuba felt his groin during the week so that’s had a scan and he won’t be available for the next couple, probably.”