Omari Hutchinson could make his full league debut for Ipswich Town this weekend, with injury problems affecting the attacking quartet.
Kieran McKenna’s side are flying high in the Championship with momentum from last season taking them to the top of the Championship before the international break.
Tractor Boys have launched the campaign with three straight wins – as well as a 2-0 EFL Cup win over Bristol Rovers – beating the likes of Sunderland, Stoke City and Queens Park Rangers to confirm the club’s promotion bid club before the season.
Although there is still a long way to go, having suffered their first defeat of the season when Leeds United fell 4-3, Ipswich were not discouraged and made a familiar comeback with another high-scoring match. , took the lead. in a 3-2 win over Cardiff City.
Sitting in second place after five league games, the Suffolk-based side boast the second-best goalscoring record in the division, with their formidable attacking quartet having no problems with quality increase. However, injury doubts point to the possibility of a move to the front row with a certain Chelsea youngster looking to establish himself.
Who is Omari Hutchinson?
A product of the Arsenal academy, Hutchinson returns to west London in 2022 after being released twice by the Lions as a junior.
The 19-year-old made his professional debut that same season in a Premier League match against Manchester City in January.
Despite lacking first-team opportunities, the attacker has continued to thrive at youth level, scoring 13 goals and providing 12 assists over the past two seasons in Premier League 2 for Arsenal and Chelsea. Currently on his first senior loan, the Jamaica international has made seven appearances for the Tractor Boys so far this campaign, including his EFL Cup debuts against Bristol Rovers and Reading.
The versatile attacking midfielder, capable of playing as part of an attacking quartet behind the striker, has demonstrated his smooth dribbling ability and desire to beat his players, while also creating moments quality in the final third, whether it’s ‘a deadly final pass or a clinical chance’ . himself.
Showing such class in an Ipswich shirt, Hutchinson needs time to express himself coherently – and may be able to do so in the near future.
Why is now the right time for Hutchinson to start?
Injury problems of varying severity have left Kieran McKenna with a selection headache ahead of the trip to Yorkshire to face Sheffield Wednesday. George Hirst could feature despite being injured in the first half against Cardiff City, while the trio of Christian Walton, Janoi Donacien and Axel Tuanzebe are unavailable.
Meanwhile, Wes Burns is said to have suffered a mild hamstring problem while on international duty, with the Welsh winger recovering well and expected to return to training at the weekend.
Plenty of options, including Hutchinson – who replaced Burns last time out – could mean McKenna takes the opportunity not to risk one of his key players and rest him before a game busy match.
Tractor Boys have five more outings this month, with Southampton, Blackburn Rovers, Wolves and Huddersfield Town rounding out a packed September.
Therefore, while there are no major concerns about Burns’ injury, precautionary measures in this case may be the best approach for the former Manchester United manager to deploy and create opportunities for young players. Players like Hutchinson play the full 90 minutes. . With all the depth his team needs over the coming months, balancing minutes will be crucial for
