Key defensive duo Greaves and Tuanzebe close to returning from injuries

Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has revealed that he expects three injured players to be available after the upcoming international break.

The Blues head to Tottenham on Sunday (2pm ko) and then have a two-week break until they resume Premier League action with a home game against Manchester United.

Sunday's trip to North London comes too soon for key defensive duo Axel Tuanzebe (hand surgery) and Jacob Greaves (hamstring), as well as midfielder Jack Taylor (hamstring), but all are making good progress with their recoveries.

"Axel’s had a cast fitted now, so he’s able to join in in some contact training and will definitely be fine after the break, unless there are any issues," said McKenna, speaking at this afternoon's pre-match press conference.

“Jacob is almost in full training, not full training yet, and Jack Taylor will hopefully commence training over the international break.”

Meanwhile, the Blues boss confirmed midfielders Jens Cajuste and Massimo Luongo are available for selection. They were left out of the recently announced Sweden and Australia squads to help manage ankle and knee issues respectively.

Skipper Sam Morsy came through last week’s game against Leicester fine following the hamstring problem that kept him out of the defeat at Brentford, while centre-half Dara O’Shea continues to play with a back issue.

“He’s managed it incredibly well," said McKenna, speaking on the latter. "It was an unfortunate situation for him to get the injury and have to play through internationals with it, but he’s managed it incredibly well through pain and through very limited training. He’s made himself available and will hopefully be available this weekend.

“He has an issue in his back that I probably won’t go into the medical details of. He has an issue from an impact in his back that he picked up in the West Ham game, so it’s something that’s going to need to be managed for quite a period of time. Hopefully, it will get better as time goes on but he’s managed it terrifically so far.”

Man City loan midfielder Kalvin Phillips will serve a one-game ban following his dismissal against Leicester, while Harry Clarke is available again after serving his suspension for a red card at Brentford.