McKenna on Philogene injury, strength for 2025-26 and Tuanzebe's future
- Published
Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Arsenal at Portman Road (kick-off 14:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
McKenna confirmed January signing Jaden Philogene will "pretty much definitely" not feature again this season after sustaining a knee injury in last weekend's draw at Chelsea.
He also added that Omari Hutchinson and Kalvin Phillips both remain out for Sunday's fixture, but forward Liam Delap has trained and will be assessed.
McKenna understands that Town are likely to "fall short" this season but even if they do, they will be in "a real strong position" going into 2025-26.
On Ben Johnson's form: "He has built well over the course of the season and has certainly been in good form over the past few games. He is making good progress and getting his reward. Long may it continue."
He expressed his desire to keep Axel Tuanzebe at the club beyond this season, labelling him as a "very important player" for the side.
Finally, on the challenge of Arsenal: "We believe in ourselves and we believe if we execute every part of our game right then we have a chance and we can compete even with the best. If we do all that, and it's our day, then there is a chance we can get it on Sunday."
Listen to BBC Radio 5 Live commentary of Ipswich v Arsenal at 14:00 on Sunday
Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news