Philogene out for the season ....

[hallamblue]

Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna has revealed that Jaden Philogene is 'very unlikely' to feature again this season after picking up an injury against Chelsea.

The winger came on in the second half of the match, but featured for just five minutes before damaging his MCL, forcing him to come off.

McKenna has confirmed that the 23-year-old has been for scans this week, and while he probably won't need surgery, he'll probably be targeting a return to fitness next season.

"He's seen a specialist this week. As we thought, it's an MCL injury.

"It doesn't look like he needs surgery, but it's pretty much definite that he won't play again for us this season.

"It's a big disappointment for us and for him. It's a challenge for the group, in terms of it being another one in that position. That's three right wingers - one an MCL [Philogene], one an ACL [Wes Burns] and one an Achilles [Chiedozie Ogbene].

"But also for Jaden, because he arrived later than we all would have wished. It's really hard, as we've spoken about before, to build up momentum and get up to speed. He was working really hard and trying his best here at the training ground.

Kieran McKenna has confirmed that Omari Hutchinson and Kieran Phillips won't feature against ArsenalKieran McKenna has confirmed that Omari Hutchinson and Kieran Phillips won't feature against Arsenal (Image: Ross Halls)

"We're disappointed that he won't get a chance to build some of that momentum before the end of the season, but no doubt he'll come back strong. He's really professional and he'll do his rehab well.

"The timescales aren't definite. There's an international tournament in the summer [EURO U21] that he would have liked to have been a part of. I don't think anything is 100% yet.

"I can only say that it's very unlikely that he'll play for us. Hopefully he'll be ready in pre-season."

Omari Hutchinson [hamstring] and Kalvin Phillips [near Achilles] have also missed the last few games through injury. Star striker Liam Delap [ribs] was named on the bench against Chelsea, limited to just a handful of minutes late on.

"He [Delap] has trained," McKenna explained. "I can't say he's absolutely clear yet, but he's safe to train. We've got some judgements to make going into the weekend.

"Omari, not ready yet. Still not fully training with the group, so we have to be careful with that one.

"Kalvin, no, not ready and and not training with the group

[Bluemike]

Feel for the guy but absolutely no loss.