Ipswich Town defender Axel Tuanzebe has suffered a freak hand injury while washing up at home.
The 26-year-old secured a switch to the Tractor Boys during the summer of 2023, ending his permanent association with English giants Manchester United.
During his maiden campaign in East Anglia, Tuanzebe helped Ipswich to seal promotion to the Premier League, featuring in 18 matches in the Championship across 2023-24.
Not always a starter for Kieran McKenna's troops in the second tier, the defender has stepped up to the plate in the top flight so far this season.
Tuanzebe started each of his side's first six matches in the Premier League, operating at right-back with Dara O'Shea and Jacob Greaves forming the centre-back pairing.
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Ipswich man Tuanzebe almost lost his thumb?
After beginning the term brightly, Tuanzebe missed Ipswich's final game before the October international break due to a freak injury, with McKenna's charges losing 4-1 at the London Stadium to West Ham United.
According to BBC Sport, the 26-year-old suffered a deep cut to his thumb whilst washing up at home, leaving him unable to feature for the Tractor Boys.
It is understood that Tuanzebe has already undergone surgery on the issue but is not expected to be back in action for at least a month.
Speaking on Saturday afternoon on the incident, Ipswich boss McKenna explained how the right-back's injury was a "very unfortunate accident".
"He is naturally a miss with the way he has started the season. He is going to be out for a little while."
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Who will replace Tuanzebe in defence?
With Tuanzebe targeting a return in a month, the former Man United and Aston Villa man is set to miss Premier League matches against Everton, Brentford and Leicester City.
A trio of contests against sides who are arguably relegation candidates alongside the Tractor Boys represents a good chance for them to collect points.
Turning out against his former employers, Ben Johnson replaced Tuanzebe at right-back for Ipswich on the weekend as they suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of West Ham.
Currently operating with a back four, a change to a back-five system could allow Chiedozie Ogbene to feature at wing-back for the Tractor Boys.
Carter White
