Fatawu returns as Ipswich expect to be at full strength against City

Abdul Fatawu is available again for Ipswich Town’s visit to Manchester City, giving Gary O’Neil another selection option after the winger missed the 2-1 win over Fulham through suspension.

O’Neil expects to have his full squad at his disposal for Saturday’s 15:00 kick-off, although a couple of players still need late fitness checks. The Ipswich manager said they have been carrying issues for a while and will be assessed before the match.

“A couple of checks still to do but I anticipate everyone will be fine,” O’Neil told the club’s official website. He added that he expected Ipswich to be “full strength”.

Fatawu’s return is the clearest change in the team news. His suspension kept him out against Fulham; he can now be considered again as Ipswich prepare to face City. O’Neil has not named a starting line-up, so his availability adds an option rather than confirming a place in the XI.

The remaining checks will determine whether the players carrying issues are ready, but O’Neil’s expectation is that they will be fit. That leaves Ipswich anticipating a near-full-strength squad for the trip, subject to those final assessments.

Ipswich travel to Manchester City on Saturday, October 17. The late checks are the final fitness decisions before O’Neil selects his side, while Fatawu is back in contention after serving his ban.