Azor Matusiwa
IPS
Center Midfielder
Creative Playmaker
Apr 28, 1998 (28)
Right
5'8"
159 lb
Fit to play against Fulham
Matusiwa (undisclosed) is available for Saturday's Premier League clash against Fulham after making significant progress in his recovery from offseason surgery, according to coach Gary O'Neil. "Azor has also stepped up his rehab and is feeling good. He is available for selection now."
Analysis: Matusiwa has completed his recovery after undergoing surgery following the 2025/26 campaign, which forced him to miss the opening weeks of the new season. The midfielder recently played 45 minutes for Ipswich's academy against Luton Town and has continued increasing his workload during the international break, putting him in position to make his season debut Saturday. However, given his lengthy absence, Matusiwa could initially be eased back into competitive action off the bench before challenging Sasa Lukic, Exequiel Palacios and Marcelino Nunez for a regular role in midfield.
Logs 45 minutes with Academy
Matusiwa (undisclosed) logged 45 minutes with Ipswich Town's academy against Luton Town on Tuesday.
Analysis: Matusiwa missed the start of the season after summer surgery, but he's been available and back in training for a few weeks now. The minutes with the academy are much-needed for the midfielder, and he'll compete with Sasa Lukic, Exequiel Palacios and Marcelino Nunez for minutes in midfield once Ipswich resume their EPL campaign against Fulham on Oct. 10 after the international break.
Not an option Saturday
Matusiwa (undisclosed) is ruled out for Saturday's clash against Everton.
Analysis: Matusiwa has been unable to earn a place in the matchday squad despite manager Gary O'Neil confirming he was available after missing the start of the season following surgery at the end of last campaign. The midfielder had been building his fitness through full 11v11 sessions in training, but the club ultimately decided to extend the wait for his first competitive minutes given the abundance of fit midfield options at O'Neil's disposal. His availability for the coming fixtures will be monitored as Ipswich continue to take a measured approach to his reintegration.
Still building fitness
Matusiwa (undisclosed) is waiting to build fitness in training before Ipswich Town feels comfortable getting him minutes, although he is an option for Saturday's clash against Everton, according to manager Gary O'Neil, per East Anglian. "We're just waiting for him (Azor) to get enough reps in in training to feel comfortable. He's doing everything, he's doing 11 v 11 on the grass with the guys but he has been out for quite a while so it's not one we want to throw back in. We have lots of midfielders and lots of players fit so it's trying to find the right moment for him and the team. He is available for tomorrow but we haven't decided whether he will play a part in it or not yet."
Analysis: Matusiwa had missed the start of the season following the surgery he underwent at the end of last season and is close to make his return on the pitch. The midfielder still has to build on his fitness and the club will decide if they extend the wait for his first minutes of the season. His potential involvement now remains uncertain heading into Saturday's match against Everton, with the club taking a measured approach to reintegrating him.
Still out
Matusiwa (undisclosed) isn't in the squad for Tuesday's EPL Cup match against Arsenal.
Analysis: Matusiwa has been back in training since last week, but it seems he's still not ready to see minutes off the bench. His next chance to play will come against Everton on Saturday, because otherwise, he'd have to wait until after the international break to see his first minutes of the 2026/27 season.
Remains out Saturday
Matusiwa (muscle) is ruled out for Saturday's Premier League clash against Crystal Palace.
Analysis: Matusiwa has been unable to earn a place in the matchday squad despite coach Gary O'Neil confirming he was back in full training and describing him as ready for minutes following muscle surgery at the end of the previous campaign. Coach O'Neil had indicated he would be considered for matchday squads, making his omission a surprise given the positive update earlier in the week. Sasa Lukic is expected to continue handling the majority of the work in central midfield, with Matusiwa's availability for the coming fixtures to be monitored as Ipswich continue to manage his return carefully.
Could return against Palace
Matusiwa (muscle) is an option to return for Saturday's Premier League clash against Crystal Palace, according to coach Gary O'Neil, per Ipswich Star. "Azor and Jadon are both back fully training with the group. Azor will obviously be a little bit longer before he's available to start football matches, but he's ready for minutes now. We can start to get him back in and around matchday squads."
Analysis: Matusiwa has yet to feature this season after undergoing muscle surgery at the end of the previous campaign, but he is now closing in on his first appearance. Being considered for Saturday represents significant progress after he was ruled out against Liverpool, though his lengthy absence makes an immediate start unlikely. Sasa Lukic has handled the majority of the work in central midfield during his recovery, and Matusiwa could initially be eased back into the rotation if included in the squad.
Remains 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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