Ipswich Town will be without star goalkeeper Alex Palmer after Kieran McKenna gave an update on his fitness.
The former West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper was forced off the pitch during the first half of the Tractor Boys’ loss to Charlton Athletic in midweek, with Christian Walton coming on in his place to see out the remainder of the game. Now, after assessing the injury, Kieran McKenna gave an update on the 29-year-old’s situation.
Transfer Decision Made Following News
According to the Ipswich Star, Palmer will spend ‘several weeks’ in the injury room in Suffolk after it was revealed that the keeper suffered a calf tear, denying him from playing his former teammates at West Bromwich Albion this weekend. Town’s number one arrived at Portman Road this January after previous first choice Ari Muric lost the confidence of the Northern Irish manager after a series of mistakes.
Speaking to the press ahead of their clash against Ryan Mason’s Baggies, McKenna said:
You never want to lose your goalkeeper who’s been playing and getting better as the season gets on. It’s why you have a strong goalkeeper unit. [Christian] Walton has always performed well when he’s had the chance, [David] Button supports them well. Walton will make his first Championship start for Town tomorrow.
The news has also called Ipswich’s loans department into action, recalling goalkeeper Henry Gray from his loan at Braintree Town. The 20-year-old made just one appearance for the Essex side against West Brom’s academy in the National League Cup.
Walton To Take Step Up
This news on Alex Palmer now puts Christian Walton back in the frame for regular starts, having last done so over the New Year’s period last season. A series of errors from Ari Muric led Walton to take the gloves for their final fixture of 2024 against Chelsea, putting in a brilliant performance as the Tractor Boys claimed three vital points in their relegation battle.
Walton, who was ever-present during their League One promotion campaign, played five times in the Premier League before Palmer took the first-choice spot in their FA Cup 4th round victory over Coventry City. Now, he is called upon again as Ipswich struggle to find regular results in their hope for a top-flight return at the first time of asking.
