Goals scored by Evan Ferguson and Sammie Szmodics in Saturday’s Premier League matches were overshadowed by injuries to their Irish teammates Chiedozie Ogbene and Robbie Brady. During Ipswich Town’s 4-3 defeat to Brentford, managed by Nathan Collins, Szmodics found the net in the first half. However, the match was marred by an injury to Ogbene, who had to be carried off the field following a potential Achilles’ tendon rupture.
Kieran McKenna, Ipswich’s manager, commented on the injury, saying it seemed quite serious and could potentially be an Achilles’ tear. He added that this would be a major blow for both the team and Ogbene. McKenna suggested that it might take between six and nine months for recovery, but further medical advice would be needed to confirm this.
Brighton and Hove Albion saw Ferguson, coming from the bench, score his first goal since the previous November, placing them at a 2-0 lead against Wolverhampton Wanderers. However, Wolves managed to secure a draw with last-minute goals from Rayan Ait-Nouri and Matheus Cunha.
Seámus Coleman, who sat out Everton’s 1-1 draw against Fulham, and Matt Doherty, a bench player for Wolves for the fifth consecutive match, were both absent from Ireland’s October Nations League games. Dara O’Shea and Festy Ebosele took their positions on the right for Ireland under the guidance of Heimir Hallgrímsson. With Ogbene’s injury, it is predicted that Ebosele, a wing back for Watford, will play in the upcoming international matches in Dublin against Finland and in Wembley against England.
Prior to announcing his Irish team next Thursday, Hallgrímsson is anticipating upbeat updates regarding Will Smallbone, who has experienced a flare-up of a hamstring problem. Jack Taylor, recently recruited to the national team, is also wrestling with a hamstring injury while Robbie Brady, at 32 years old, was hindered during Preston North End’s equal battle against Plymouth Argyle, resulting in a 3-3 draw.
“It’s his ankle,” disclosed Preston’s manager Paul Heckingbottom, “He sprained it when he landed from a header. Now it’s swollen and we’re aware there’s some sort of injury. We’re not certain about the severity until we have him examined.”
This series of injuries might open the door for former Irish under-21 players Andrew Moran, Sinclair Armstrong, and Conor Coventry to make a move to the senior team. Particularly noteworthy has been Moran’s performance this season at Stoke City, on loan from Brighton.