Former Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe faces an uncertain recovery timeline after undergoing surgery to save his thumb. Following a freak accident while washing dishes at home.
The 26-year-old Tuanzebe had been a key player for Ipswich Town this season, starting every Premier League match prior to missing Saturday’s game against West Ham. His absence was felt deeply as Ipswich suffered a 4-1 defeat at the London Stadium.
Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna confirmed the unfortunate nature of the injury, explaining that Tuanzebe sustained it during a routine washing-up session. According to reports from the Daily Mail, a glass Tuanzebe was cleaning shattered in his hands. Resulting in a laceration that required immediate medical attention. Fortunately, the surgery was successful, and he did not lose his thumb.
While the exact duration of Tuanzebe’s absence remains unclear, McKenna indicated that the defender is unlikely to return by October-19. When Ipswich faces Everton in a crucial match at the bottom of the Premier League table. The Tractor Boys are still searching for their first win of the season, making Tuanzebe’s absence particularly impactful.
“He’s done a hand injury, a very unfortunate accident,” McKenna said after the match. “He’s had surgery and will be out for a while. It’s not going to be a couple of weeks, probably longer. There are still discussions with the specialists. He’s naturally a miss with the way he’s started the season. We’re going to have to adjust and regroup as a team.”
Tuanzebe joined Ipswich in September 2023 after a series of loan spells from Manchester United, which included time at Stoke City, Aston Villa, and Napoli. After showing promise in the United academy, he made only 37 first-team appearances for the club. Now settled at Ipswich, he had his contract extended for another year over the summer, and he will be eager to recover swiftly from this unexpected setback.
Injuries resulting from unusual circumstances are not uncommon in football. Notably, former goalkeeper Dave Beasant once tore a tendon in his big toe after dropping a bottle of salad cream on his foot, while Richard Wright sustained an ankle injury while putting suitcases in his loft.
With the international break upon them, McKenna has significant work ahead to regroup his team after the disappointing performance against West Ham, who had been winless at home prior to this match. “Everyone is out there with the right intent, but it is how we cover each action,” McKenna said. “The game can change very quickly for a team in our position. When you drop your level, the game can get away from you very quickly.”
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