Ipswich boss Gary O'Neil faces an anxious wait as the international break threatens to disrupt his squad planning, with eight Tractor Boys players away on duty across the three-week hiatus, according to BBC News.
Among those called up are Daizen Maeda with Japan, Ali Al-Hamadi representing Iraq, Exequiel Palacios on Argentina duty, and Marcelino Nunez, with further names also involved in international commitments during the break.
For O'Neil, the timing is far from ideal — extended breaks like this often bring added injury risk and fitness concerns as players jet across continents for national team fixtures before returning to Championship action. With such a large chunk of his squad involved in international football, the Ipswich head coach will be keeping a close eye on how his players fare over the coming weeks, mindful of the physical toll travel and competitive matches can take ahead of the club's return to domestic duties.