Sammie Szmodics’ return from injury did not go to plan on Saturday, with the Irish forward forced off just half an hour into his first game back.
Ipswich travelled to Coventry in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Saturday, hoping to preserve their chances of a deep cup run as they continue to struggle in the Premier League.
The Tractor Boys have struggled with an injury crisis in recent months, with Ireland’s Chiedozie Ogbene among those consigned to a lengthy spell on the sidelines
His national teammate Szmodics had not played for over a month before Saturday’s tie, with an ankle injury preventing him from featuring in the last four Premier League games and their third round win over Bristol Rovers.
Surprisingly, he was named to start in Saturday’s tie in Coventry, in a move that now seems to have backfired for manager Kieran McKenna.
Sammie Szmodics made an immediate impact on his return from injury, winning a penalty in the very first minute of Saturday’s FA Cup tie.
George Hirst would convert that spot-kick but things would take a worrying turn for Ireland’s Szmodics shortly thereafter.
There were warning signs early on at the Coventry Building Society Arena, with Szmodics down in the opening stages with a knock.
The Irishman persisted but, when he went down again just after the half-hour mark, Ipswich were forced into a change, bringing on Nathan Broadhead in his place.
Questions will be asked of whether starting Szmodics from the off after a month-long injury layoff was the wisest move, with an anxious wait for Ipswich and Ireland fans on the severity of the 29-year-old’s injury
