Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna has offered a measured but reassuring update on the fitness of Jaden Philogene and Julio Núñez, as the Blues continue to navigate a demanding period of the Championship season. With fixtures coming thick and fast, McKenna’s comments provided clarity on two players whose availability could prove important in the weeks ahead.
Philogene, who has become an increasingly influential figure in Ipswich’s attacking structure, was forced off in the recent match after showing visible discomfort. His direct running, creativity between the lines and ability to unsettle defenders have made him a key component of McKenna’s forward rotation, so any absence naturally raises concern among supporters.
Speaking after training, McKenna confirmed that Philogene’s issue is not considered serious, though the club are taking a cautious approach. “Jaden felt something during the game, so we made the decision not to take any risks,” McKenna explained. “The initial scans were positive. It’s more of a muscular issue than anything structural, which is encouraging.”
However, McKenna was careful not to commit to a firm return date. “We’ll assess him day by day,” he added. “With the schedule we have, it’s important we don’t push players too quickly. If he’s ready, he’ll be involved, but we won’t take unnecessary chances.”
The update suggests Philogene could yet feature again soon, but Ipswich are clearly prioritising long-term availability over short-term gains—an approach that has largely served them well under McKenna’s stewardship.
Julio Núñez’s situation is slightly different. The midfielder has been managing a lingering knock that has limited his training time and match involvement in recent weeks. While not sidelined entirely, Núñez has been unable to operate at full capacity, leading to questions about when supporters might see him back at his best.
McKenna acknowledged that Núñez’s recovery has required patience. “Julio’s injury has been one we’ve had to manage carefully,” he said. “It’s not something that responds well to being rushed. He’s been back on the grass, he’s training in parts, and he’s making progress, but we’re still building him up.”
The Ipswich boss stressed that Núñez remains an important part of the squad, even if his minutes are being controlled. “He gives us quality, intelligence and balance in midfield,” McKenna noted. “When he’s fully fit, he’s a big asset. We just need to make sure that when he comes back, he stays back.”
With depth across the squad improving, McKenna has the luxury of rotating options while allowing injured players the time they need to recover properly. That depth, combined with careful medical management, has been a cornerstone of Ipswich’s consistency this season.
As the campaign enters a crucial phase, the updates on Philogene and Núñez will be closely monitored. While neither situation appears alarming, McKenna’s calm, methodical approach reflects a wider philosophy—one built on sustainability, trust in the squad, and a refusal to compromise player welfare for short-term results.
For Ipswich Town, keeping key players healthy could prove just as important as any tactical tweak as they push on through the business end of the season.
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