Ipswich Town have been hit by a major setback after goalkeeper Alex Palmer limped off with a suspected calf injury during their 3-0 defeat to Charlton Athletic.
The 29-year-old was forced off midway through the first half at Portman Road, leaving boss Kieran McKenna sweating on his fitness ahead of a crucial clash with West Bromwich Albion.
Alex Palmer Injured For Baggies Clash?
Palmer pulled up after playing a pass out to captain Dara O’Shea, immediately signalling to the bench before being replaced by Christian Walton. It capped a miserable night for Ipswich, who were comfortably beaten by Charlton in front of a frustrated home crowd.
McKenna confirmed post-match that the problem appeared to be muscular and would require a scan to determine its severity.
“He’s pulled a muscle, didn’t look great in terms of how he was limping,” McKenna said. “I’m sure there will be scans to see how he is. Calf, I think, it was down the back of his leg.”
The setback could not have come at a worse time for the Tractor Boys. Palmer has been an ever-present in the league this season and a key part of McKenna’s build-from-the-back philosophy, with his distribution often initiating attacks from deep.
Losing him, even temporarily, could force a tactical rethink in the short term.
🚨BREAKING: Ipswich Town’s Goalkeeping SOS Solved! 🚨
👀 Alex Palmer joins from West Bromwich Albion, ending the 549-day crisis after Christian Walton’s injury! 🧤
Can Kieran McKenna steer Ipswich to the Premier League with this pivotal signing? 🤔#ITFC #AlexPalmer 🏆 pic.twitter.com/7zcZsxLPeg
— Transfer Site (@TransferSite) September 16, 2025
Reaction, Impact, and What Comes Next
The injury means Walton is set for his first league start of the campaign when West Bromwich Albion visit Portman Road this weekend. The 32-year-old was a regular during Ipswich’s 2022–23 promotion push but has since slipped into a supporting role behind Palmer.
His experience, however, offers reassurance at a time when stability is desperately needed.
Ipswich’s defeat to Charlton continued a concerning run of inconsistent form that has seen them fall behind in the Championship play-off race. Defensive lapses and injuries have begun to creep in, placing greater emphasis on squad depth as the busy winter period approaches.
Some solo effort from Sonny Carey‼️
Charlton are up to fifth in the @SkyBetChamp after beating Ipswich 0-3 at Portman Road last night 🆙 pic.twitter.com/wFm7MwfQ9m
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) October 22, 2025
McKenna will now be hoping for positive scan results, with Palmer’s leadership and composure regarded as vital both on and off the pitch. Should the diagnosis confirm a significant lay-off, Ipswich may need to explore short-term cover in the January window, or turn to young stopper Cieran Slicker as emergency backup.
With West Bromwich Albion next on the agenda, the fixture carries added emotional weight for Palmer, who began his senior career at The Hawthorns. His absence would be a cruel twist ahead of a meeting with his former club and another major test of Ipswich’s resilience in a season that is already demanding answers.
