Norwich City v Ipswich Town: Kieran McKenna reveals Kieffer Moore fitness update | OneFootball

Kieran McKenna has said that there is a possibility that striker Kieffer Moore could feature in Ipswich Town's upcoming derby match against Norwich City on Saturday.

The Welsh international had to come off early in the first half of Ipswich's encounter against fellow promotion-chasers Southampton. He injured his back and was replaced by January signing Ali Al-Hamadi.

Kieran McKenna issues Kieffer Moore injury update

There were worries about his availability for the weekend, but, while it is still unlikely that he plays at Carrow Road, there is a chance, according to the manager.

McKenna said, via EADT: "Kieffer Moore has had a 'pretty severe back spasm' - he hasn't played a part at all this week. It is not impossible for him to feature against Norwich, knowing him, but it looks unlikely. Hoping it's not long-term and he should be back for the fixtures next week."

The Tractor Boys could be left even shorter due to other niggles and illnesses, and the manager revealed that there is some illness still going around the camp, and that some players have not trained since the Easter Monday game against the Saints.

As the main striker, Moore will be a big loss if he's not involved, and McKenna gave an update on another serious injury that Town have suffered.

Wes Burns dropped out of the Wales squad over the international break, and has missed his domestic team's last two fixtures because of a hamstring injury. The 37-year-old boss said, before last week's trip to Blackburn Rovers, that the winger may miss the rest of the season because of the injury. McKenna said that Burns is due to have another scan on his leg today, and there will be a further update next week. He added that forward George Hirst also won't be available for the derby on Saturday.

These injuries open up places in the squad for others to fill, and the man who replaced Moore when he picked up his knock has been receiving praise from his boss. The Northern Irishman said, on Al-Hamadi, that he's earned the right to play in the derby, according to EADT, but he admitted that the 22-year-old still has areas of his game to work on.

He too is playing with an injury, and McKenna said that he's impressed that the Iraq international is continuing to play because he will need adductor surgery in the summer, as per EADT.

Kieffer Moore will be a big miss for Ipswich

Without the Welshman, Ipswich not only lack depth at the number nine position, but they don't have a proper out-and-out striker to deploy. They have Al-Hamadi, who can play down the middle of a frontline, but he's yet to do it from the start of a game for the Tractor Boys.

Moore brings that real experience and know-how to Ipswich's attack, and, without him, it might be hard to break down Norwich's defence.

This could well be a game that dictates the promotion race. Town hold a slender lead at the top of the Championship, with Leeds United and Leicester City right on their heels.

They got over the hurdle of Southampton last time out, but a win away from home in the East Anglia Derby would up the confidence and spirit of the squad to a new level. On top of that, if they can do it without their main striker, which they are likely going to have to do, then that will make the three points all the more sweet.