In a striking blow for Ipswich’s Premier League, Chiedozie Ogbene, the Irish winger, has sustained a serious injury during Saturday’s match against Brentford. He is expected to be absent from the pitch for a substantial time.
Ogbene collapsed without any physical altercation and was visibly in agony as he was removed from the field on a stretcher. Post-match, Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna confirmed, “It’s a severe injury. We suspect an Achilles rupture. We need further examination, but he’s undoubtedly going to be off the pitch for some time.”
An Achilles tear typically sidelines an athlete for up to half a year, which implies that Ogbene will likely be absent from Ireland’s upcoming Nations League encounters against Finland and England next month. Moreover, he might also be unfit for a potential Nations League relegation playoff in March.
Ogbene has consistently been in the starting line-up for coach Heimir Hallgrímsson and former manager Stephen Kenny, having played 24 matches and netted four goals. His injury might provide an opportunity for Festy Ebosele who has stepped in as a replacement for Ogbene in the concluding two Nations League matches. Notably, Ebosele began in Watford’s narrow 1-0 triumph over Blackburn Rovers in the Championship on Saturday.
On a similar note, Ipswich received another blow when they were defeated 4-3 by Brentford despite initially leading 2-0, with Ireland’s Sammie Szmodics scoring a goal. Brentford’s victory was secured by Bryan Mbeumo’s goal, scored deep into injury time, against a team eager to achieve their first victory of the season, at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Following the defeat, a disappointed McKenna commented, “It’s devastating to not secure any points from the match, especially considering how late the decisive goal was scored. On Monday, I hope the strongest emotion I have will be one of pride.” It is worth mentioning that Nathan Collins, the Irish captain, was also part of the starting line-up.