Ipswich Town boss Kieran Mckenna admits ‘big blow’ as returning forward Sammie Szmodics suffers ankle injury in FA Cup win at Coventry City.

Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna said Sammie Szmodics’ injury in the first half of their 4-1 FA Cup win against Coventry City was to the same ankle that previously held him out.

The 29-year-old had missed the previous five games after picking up the injury at Fulham in early January.

The Republic of Ireland international had received treatment early in the encounter before suggesting he wanted to leave in the 35th minute, with Nathan Broadhead taking over.

“I don’t know about a recurrence, but it’s the same ankle, so the chances are it’s probably linked,” McKenna remarked when questioned about Szmodics’ injury.

“That’s a huge blow, no doubt about it. We really appreciated having him back in training this week; he brings us a new dynamic, maturity, age profile, and type of player, so we’ll keep our fingers crossed, but that’s the major drawback from today.”

Town did not add to their striker options in the January window, with Szmodics one of the players, along with Broadhead, who can play as a number nine if necessary.

With Ali Al-Hamadi on loan to Stoke City, McKenna has just two natural senior strikers to choose from: Liam Delap and George Hirst.

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