The Ipswich defender Axel Tuanzebe faces a spell on the sidelines after a horror accident that put him at risk of losing a thumb.

Tuanzebe missed the promoted side’s 4-1 defeat at West Ham on Saturday with an unspecified hand injury that his manager, Kieran McKenna, revealed had required surgery. It has since emerged that the right-back was badly injured in a domestic incident in which his hand was lacerated while washing up.

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The incident occurred when a glass smashed, one of the shards causing a deep cut to his hand and leading to concerns his thumb may not be saved. That outcome has been averted by a swift medical response and resulting operation, but a quick return to action for the former Manchester United player appears unlikely.

Speaking after the West Ham game, McKenna said Tuanzebe would be “out for a while”, suggesting he would certainly remain unavailable for selection beyond this international break. The 26-year-old had started the season impressively, being singled out for praise by the Brighton manager, Fabian Hürzeler, after last month’s goalless draw between the sides, and any lengthy absence would be a significant blow for an Ipswich team who have largely performed well in their first seven games but are yet to win.

The injury is also a setback to Tuanzebe’s burgeoning international career. He has won his first three caps for the Democratic Republic of the Congo since June but was forced to withdraw from this month’s Africa Cup of Nations qualification double-header against Tanzania.