The Championship promotion race continues to tighten, and the upcoming clash between Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough at Portman Road carries enormous significance for both sides. Ipswich are still firmly in the automatic promotion hunt, while Middlesbrough are desperately trying to reignite a fading push after a six-game winless run. However, both managers will have to navigate a heavily disrupted squad list, with key players on both sides ruled out or doubtful for Sunday’s showdown.
Ipswich Town Absentees
Kieran McKenna’s side head into the fixture with a relatively shorter injury list compared to their opponents, but they are still missing important squad members.
- Wes Burns – The most significant absentee for Ipswich. The experienced wide player is set to miss his fifth consecutive match after suffering a calf injury against Sheffield Wednesday. A minor setback in recovery has delayed his return further, leaving Ipswich without one of their most energetic attacking options.
- David Button – The third-choice goalkeeper has been sidelined for over two months due to an ongoing calf issue. While not a first-team regular, his absence limits depth in the goalkeeping department.
- Conor Townsend – The left-back remains unavailable after suffering an ACL injury in pre-season. He has yet to feature competitively this season, making him a long-term absentee.
- Ashley Young – The veteran defender is back in training after a significant hip injury but has not yet returned to matchday action. Given the importance of the fixture and his recent recovery, he is unlikely to be risked.
Middlesbrough Absentees
Middlesbrough’s injury list is more extensive and arguably more damaging, with several key first-team players either ruled out or doubtful.
- Hayden Hackney – A major doubt after suffering a calf injury. The midfielder is a crucial part of Middlesbrough’s engine room, and his availability remains uncertain right up to kick-off.
- Morgan Whittaker – The club’s top scorer is also a doubt after picking up an ankle injury in March. His absence would be a major blow to Boro’s attacking threat.
- Alex Bangura – The full-back is undergoing a late fitness test after a muscle injury sustained against Swansea City. His availability is still unclear.
- Jeremy Sarmiento – The winger is unlikely to feature after being forced off with a knee issue in the previous match against Portsmouth. While not expected to be long-term, he is a doubt for this weekend.
- Alfie Jones – The centre-back has been out since December with an ankle injury and has not returned to a matchday squad in 2026. His absence continues to weaken defensive depth.
- Leo Castledine – The young midfielder has struggled with muscle injuries since arriving from Chelsea in January and has missed the last three matches.
Total Players Missing
In total, the confirmed or likely absentees for the fixture are:
Ipswich Town (4 players):
- Wes Burns
- David Button
- Conor Townsend
- Ashley Young
Middlesbrough (6 players):
- Hayden Hackney
- Morgan Whittaker
- Alex Bangura
- Jeremy Sarmiento
- Alfie Jones
- Leo Castledine
Match Impact
The scale of these absences could heavily influence the outcome of the game. Ipswich will be relieved to have a relatively lighter injury burden, while Middlesbrough’s list includes several players who would normally be considered automatic starters.
With promotion pressure mounting and margins at the top incredibly tight, squad depth and tactical flexibility may ultimately decide who comes out on top in what is shaping up to be one of the Championship’s defining fixtures of the season.
