Kieran McKenna provides Axel Tuanzebe injury update in wake of Ipswich Town’s defeat at West Ham

Town boss Kieran McKenna says defender Axel Tuanzebe is going to be out for a ‘little while’ due to a hand injury which has required surgery.

DR Congo announced yesterday that the 26-year-old had been withdrawn from their squad due to injury.

Tuanzebe was absent from this afternoon’s 4-1 defeat at West Ham United and McKenna admitted he was a big miss.

“I think he naturally would be with how he’s started the season, he’s played every game and he’s started the season well,” he said.

“He’s going to be out a little while, so we’re going to have to adjust and regroup as a team.

“He’s done a hand injury, a very unfortunate accident. He’s had a surgery and he’ll be out for a while.

“To be honest, we don’t know [precisely how long], it’s not going to be a couple of weeks, it’s probably going to be longer but we’re still in discussion with the specialist about what’s the quickest return.”

Asked whether anyone else had picked up a knock, McKenna said: “I’ve not had a full check, there were a couple of people limping and with knocks in later stages of the game but I’ve not had a full rundown yet.”