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01st Nov 2024

Ireland star ruled out for the rest of the season after undergoing surgery

Ryan Price

The player’s manager confirmed the extent of the injury earlier today.

Republic of Ireland winger Chiedozie Ogbene has been ruled out for the rest of the season, by Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna.

The 27-year-old was stretchered off during his side’s league defeat to Brentford last weekend.

BRENTFORD, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 26: Chiedozie Ogbene of Ipswich Town leaves the pitch on a stretcher after going down injured during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Ipswich Town FC at Gtech Community Stadium on October 26, 2024 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

This week, he underwent surgery on an Achilles tendon injury. McKenna has now revealed that he does not expect to see the Cork native return to the football pitch this season.

“Chieo had surgery yesterday,” McKenna said in today’s press conference. “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.”

The news will not only be a blow to Ipswich Town fans, but also to Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson.

DUBLIN, IRELAND: SEPTEMBER 10: Heimir Hallgrimsson, head coach of the Republic of Ireland, on the sideline during the Republic of Ireland V Greece, UEFA Nations League match at Aviva Stadium on September 10th, 2024, in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)

Ogbene was one of his most impressive performers during the opening Nations League games.

Ireland’s next game is at home to Finland a little less than three weeks away, followed by a difficult trip to Wembley to face 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.

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