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Ipswich Town manager Gary O’Neil spoke to the media after a narrow defeat to Osasuna at the Jobserve Community Stadium and confirmed that winger Jaden Philogene is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury amid transfer noise as the Blues continued their pre-season preparations. The 24yr old missed Saturday’s game vs FC Cartagena in La Manga and was also absent vs Osasuna. Hamstring Issue Identified He confirmed that Philogene did go for a scan and is expected to return to the squad soon. “Hamstring injury,” O’Neil explained. “He missed the game in Spain as well. He’s had a scan. He’s got a small hamstring injury. He’s expected to be back soon, and I’ve got no real interest in discussing it [transfer speculation]. He’s part of my plans and I’ll treat him that way until he’s no longer our player. The plan is to get him ready for Sunderland and see what we can get out of him.” Addressing Transfer Speculation Philogene’s future at Ipswich has been the subject of speculation this summer, with reports suggesting that he has asked the club to leave Portman Road. O’Neil was clear that the claims in these reports have not come from Philogene himself. “He’s not said that to me,” O’Neil said. “I’ve spoken to him maybe 25 times since I’ve been here, no mention of him wanting to leave. It’s probably noise.” O’Neil on Working With Philogene O’Neil praised Philogene’s talents and reiterated his commitment to preparing him for Premier League football “He’s a top talent. He’s going to have a good career. I’ve said this to Jaden, I’m going to get him in the best place possible. I’m going to work my socks off with him in the next few weeks to make sure that he’s ready to perform in the Premier League.” “Football can move quickly, things can change, but that’s the plan. I’m planning to have as many good players with me as I can get. Things will change, as soon as they do, we’ll be able to update you. As far as I’m aware, he’s going to be working really hard to help us stay in the Premier League.” Philogene’s recovery will now be monitored closely as Town build towards their opening fixture against Sunderland.