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Ipswich Town: New signing Jaden Philogene from Aston Villa available for clash with Premier League champions Manchester City




Ipswich Town’s new January signing is set be included in the squad for tomorrow’s clash against current Premier League champions Manchester City.

The Blues completed the signing of long-term target Jaden Philogene for a £20 million fee plus add ons from Aston Villa on Tuesday.

Philogene was not registered in time to be involved against Brighton on Thursday, which ended in a 2-0 loss for the Tractor Boys following second-half goals from Kaoru Mitoma and Georginio Rutter.

Jaden Philogene joined Ipswich Town from Aston Villa on Tuesday. Picture: ITFC / Matchday Images
Jaden Philogene joined Ipswich Town from Aston Villa on Tuesday. Picture: ITFC / Matchday Images

Speaking on if the 22-year-old winger will get any minutes against Pep Guardiola’s side, Blues boss McKenna said: “We'll decide that over the next 24/48 hours.

“He's missed a little bit of training because he had a knock in his back as well over the last week, but he's okay now.

“He trained today just by himself this afternoon. He'll train with the group for the first time tomorrow. He's a naturally very fit lad as well, so that will help.

“So, yes, he'll be in the squad on Sunday. How many minutes do we use him for? We'll have to wait and see.”

McKenna pleasantly surprised fans on Thursday at Portman Road with the inclusion of Omari Hutchinson, who started the game against the Seagulls despite missing the 2-2 draw at Fulham two weeks ago with a groin injury.

When asked if the former Chelsea man would play again tomorrow, McKenna responded: “Again, we'll have to judge it.

“He does tend to recover really well, to be honest, Omari. He'd recovered well from the little strain that he had and felt really confident. He felt fine in the game.

“So, of course, we'll have to be assessed over the next 24 hours to see how he is for Sunday.”

McKenna added that Axel Tuanzebe was ‘not too far away’ from returning to the pitch and is also set to be assessed as he nears a return following a hamstring injury.

Attacking options Sammie Szmodics (ankle) and Conor Chaplin (knee) are expected to remain on the sidelines.

The former has had a scan on his ankle and is yet to rejoin training with the group.