Chiedozie Ogbene likely out for season after Achilles surgery

Republic of Ireland international attacker Chiedozie Ogbene has been ruled out for the rest of the season, after undergoing surgery on an Achilles tendon injury.

The Ipswich winger was stretchered off during his side's league defeat to Brentford last weekend, with manager Kieran McKenna confirming an Achilles injury at the time.

McKenna has now revealed that Ogbene has had surgery to help deal with what is a major injury, and added that he does not expect to see him return to the football pitch this season.

"Chieo had surgery yesterday," the Ipswich boss said. "It was an Achilles tear, so the surgery went well.

"He's a really positive guy, he’s in good spirits, but of course with that type of injury it means that it’s unlikely that he’ll play much - if any - football this season.

"A lot of it will be preparing for next season. Anything beyond that will be a bonus."

Ogbene's injury will come not just as a blow to Ipswich's Premier League hopes but for Ireland and manager Heimir Hallgrimsson also.

The 27-year-old now misses Ireland's Nations League games with Finland and England.

Robbie Brady (ankle) and Will Smallbone (hamstring) are also likely to miss those final two fixtures in the Nations League, and with the 2026 World Cup qualifiers beginning next year, Ogbene looks likely to be absent the start of that campaign.