Former Manchester United defender was 'very close' to losing thumb after freak injury

Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna has disclosed that defender Axel Tuanzebe could be out for several months after a severe home accident nearly led to the loss of his thumb.

The 26-year-old former Manchester United defender, who missed the 4-1 defeat to West Ham, has had surgery on his thumb and is facing a lengthy recovery period.

"It’s a household accident – very, very unfortunate and very, very serious," McKenna explained. "He was very close to losing his thumb.

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"He’s had surgery to repair the tendons in the thumb that was damaged; I think the recovery is going pretty well, but it’s a long-term injury.

"As much as it sounds a pretty innocuous body part regards the game of football, it’s a pretty important body part in human anatomy. He needs to let it recover.

"Of course, it’s a loss and a miss. It shows how quickly things can change in football and in life. Thankfully he’s recovering well. The timescale is not definite.

"It could be anything from a few months, maybe a little bit less if the recovery goes well and that’s something we’re in dialogue with different specialists on."

Ipswich, who have yet to secure their first win since their return to the top flight, will face Everton on Saturday after drawing four and losing three of their first seven games.

The Toffees, just one point and one place above Ipswich in 16th, are keen on breaking their winless streak at Portman Road, but boss McKenna doesn't intend to burden his players with extra pressure. He expressed his "clear belief" in Omari Hutchinson's optimal role as