Azor Matusiwa
IPS
CM
Deep-Lying Playmaker
Apr 28, 1998 (28)
Right
5'8"
159 lb
IpswichRemains unavailable
Matusiwa remains unavailable for Friday's Premier League clash against Liverpool, according to coach Gary O'Neil.
Analysis: Matusiwa continues to work his way back after undergoing muscle surgery at the end of last season and will miss another Premier League fixture. There's still no firm date for the midfielder's return, meaning Florentino Luis and Sasa Lukic should continue to handle the majority of the minutes in central midfield against Liverpool.
Remains out against Man United
Matusiwa will remain unavailable for Sunday's Premier League clash against Manchester United, according to coach Gary O'Neil. "Azor won't be involved."
Analysis: Matusiwa will miss a second consecutive league match as he continues working his way back following muscle surgery at the end of last season. The midfielder had been progressing toward a return but is still not ready for competitive action, with Sunday's contest again coming too soon. Florentino Luis and Sasa Lukic should remain among the leading options in central midfield while Matusiwa continues his recovery.
Not playing in opener
Matusiwa (undisclosed) won't be an option for Saturday's game against Sunderland, according to manager Gary O'Neil. "[Azor] Matusiwa and Jack Taylor are the only two expected to miss out. They aren't ready for this game."
Analysis: Matusiwa underwent muscle surgery at the end of the 2025/26 season, and while he's been progressing in his return, this season opener against the Black Cats will ultimately come too soon for him. Matusiwa's next chance to feature will come against Manchester United on Sunday, Aug. 30. With Matusiwa sidelined, expect Florentino Luis (undisclosed) and Sasa Lukic to start in central midfield.
Nearing return from surgery
Matusiwa is progressing well after undergoing surgery for a muscle injury but could be a close call for the Sunderland match, with his status still to be decided, according to coach Gary O'Neil, per EADT. "They'll be back around Sunderland, but I don't know whether they make it or not. They're going to be close for that game. They might be back in training and not make the squad. Or they might have accelerated a bit and they might make the team"
Analysis: Matusiwa was Ipswich's undisputed defensive midfield engine during last season's promotion campaign, logging 3,862 Championship minutes with a goal and three assists, and his tackling and positional discipline make his eventual return an important boost. Matusiwa is expected to continue his recovery as the club determines his availability closer to the season opener.
Muscle surgery successful
Matusiwa (muscular) has undergone a successful operation on a muscle injury following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season and will now recuperate over the summer, the club announced.
Analysis: Matusiwa was the undisputed defensive midfield engine of Ipswich's promotion-winning campaign, accumulating 3,862 Championship minutes across the season with one goal and three assists that underlined his consistent quality throughout the campaign. The surgery brings a positive resolution to what had been a managed fitness issue in the final stages of the season, and Ipswich will be hopeful of having him fully available for their return to the Premier League.
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