Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna says he has had no indication from Sheffield United that they want to cut short Chiedozie Ogbene’s loan spell.
The Blues paid £9m to sign the rapid right-winger from Luton Town following promotion to the Premier League, but he suffered a season ending Achilles injury less than three months into the campaign.
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Ogbene started Town’s opening two games of this season but, with Sindre Walle Egeli and Kasey McAteer subsequently signed for a combined £29m, he was loaned to fellow Championship club Sheffield United on transfer deadline day.
The 28-year-old made nine starts and one sub appearance for the Blades in the first half of the season then suffered a hamstring injury on international duty with the Republic of Ireland in mid-November.
In late December, it was reported that Obgene wasn’t in Chris Wilder’s plans, but he was back on their bench as an unused sub for Wednesday night’s 1-0 defeat at Southampton.
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Ipswich take on Sheffield United at Bramall Lane tomorrow. Asked if the South Yorkshire club had spoken to Ipswich about Ogbene returning to Suffolk, McKenna replied: “No, that’s not been communicated at all.
“He was unlucky with his injury on international duty because he went out and he was getting games like we wanted him to get and he wanted to get – that was important for him.
“He was growing into the season and building up form and did well for Ireland. And then it was unfortunate to pick up the hamstring injury. But he’s back now and hopefully we get to catch up with him on Saturday.”
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Ogbene, contracted at Ipswich until 2028, wouldn’t be able to play for another club this season having already featured for Ipswich and Sheffield United.
With Wes Burns fit again following a long-term absence, Ipswich currently have three right wing options in Walle Egeli, Burns and McAteer.