Tim Iroegbunam
HUL
CM
Creative Playmaker
Jun 30, 2003 (23)
Right
6'0"
154 lb
Hull CityCould feature against Chelsea
Iroegbunam is available for Saturday's clash against Chelsea after completing another positive training session, according to coach Sergej Jakirovic, per BBC Humberside Sport. "He did also [have a] good session. Everything's going by the plan"
Analysis: Iroegbunam is yet to make his Hull City debut after joining from Everton at the beginning of September, with the Tigers taking a cautious approach to his workload following his recent fitness problems. The midfielder missed Tuesday's EFL Cup clash against Sunderland as he continued to build up his fitness, but another positive training session has now cleared the way for him to be involved against Chelsea. Iroegbunam should eventually compete for regular minutes in central midfield, though he may initially be eased into action given the competition from Regan Slater, Lucas Gourna-Douath and Hull's other midfield options.
Doesn't play Tuesday
Iroegbunam didn't play in Tuesday's EFL Cup match against Sunderland since he's still ramping up his fitness levels, according to manager Sergej Jakirovic.
Analysis: The former Everton midfielder is expected to see regular minutes in midfield once he's ready to play, and the Tigers are being extremely cautious with him in terms of his potential debut. but if he proves to be fit enough, he could see minutes off the bench when Hull City take on Chelsea this Saturday at Stamford Bridge.
Could make debuts in EFL Cup
Iroegbunam will train Monday with a view to being involved with his new club in Tuesday's EFL Cup clash against Sunderland, according to James Hoggarth of BBC Humberside Sport.
Analysis: Iroegbunam recently joined Hull City from Everton, where he made 47 league appearances over the past two seasons, and this training session marks an early step toward a potential debut. He figures to compete with Hidemasa Morita, Matt Crooks and Regan Slater for playing time in a revamped Hull midfield.
Completes Hull move
Iroegbunam transferred from Everton to Hull City on Tuesday.
Analysis: The defensive midfielder made his EPL debut with Aston Villa and spent the last two seasons at Everton, where he racked up 47 league appearances. He'll add another defensive-minded presence to a revamped Tigers midfield, though he'll compete with Hidemasa Morita, Matt Crooks and Regan Slater for playing time.
Returns from injury Saturday
Iroegbunam (groin) came off the bench in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Bournemouth.
Analysis: The central midfielder missed the opener with a groin injury but made a quicker-than-expected return to the squad, ultimately coming off the bench in the latter stages of the second half. Iroegbunam should add depth to the midfield zone, but if he can't secure a regular starting role, he won't carry a ton of fantasy upside.
Ruled out of season opener
Iroegbunam (groin) is out for Saturday's season opener against Crystal Palace with an adductor strain, according to coach David Moyes. "Iroegbunam has an adductor strain, so won't make it tomorrow."
Analysis: Iroegbunam's fitness issue comes at a complicated moment given his transfer to Hull City had already reportedly been thrown into doubt by the same injury, with Hull manager Sergej Jakirovic previously suggesting a recovery timeline of at least six weeks. His continued absence from Everton's squad now confirms he remains unavailable, leaving both his club future and his path back to matchday action to be sorted out over the coming weeks.
Move to Hull in doubt after injury
Iroegbunam's move to Hull City is in doubt after suffering an adductor injury, according to Hull manager Sergej Jakirovic, per BBC. "We agreed everything between Everton and the player, but in the last game he got an abductor injury. It's a minimum of six weeks so I don't know. Maybe, we will take another player because we need players right now. We don't have time."
Analysis: Iroegbunam's setback comes just as the terms of the move had reportedly been finalized between the two clubs, leaving Hull now weighing alternative options given the timing of the transfer window. Jakirovic made clear the club cannot afford to wait around given their immediate need for reinforcements in midfield. Iroegbunam is expected to be sidelined for at least six weeks with Everton in the meantime, a timeline that puts the move in genuine jeopardy. His situation remains one to track as Hull continue exploring other targets at the same time as pursuing right backs and a striker.
Injury could cost him move
Iroegbunam's injury could cost him a move to Hull City, according to coach Sergej Jakirovic, per Hull Live. "He's injured, and this is a very big blow for Everton, for us, for the player. Maybe we will try to get another player"
Analysis: Iroegbunam had agreed terms with Hull City after being tracked by the club throughout the summer, but the injury suffered against Stuttgart last weekend, which could keep him out for around six weeks, has complicated the deal. Hull's own growing injury problems have made the club reluctant to spend as much as 20 million pounds on a player who might not be available until after the upcoming international break, with the club now looking at other options while not fully ruling out the deal. Iroegbunam is expected to provide further clarity on his future once Hull determines whether to proceed with the transfer.
Injured in friendly
Iroegbunam was subbed off early in the first half of Saturday's preseason friendly game against Stuttgart due to a potential injury.
Analysis: Iroegbunam has had a difficult history with injuries and the forced nature of this substitution means this was not a routine rest. His exit prompted an immediate positional reshuffle rather than a like-for-like change, with Michael Keane coming on in his place and Jake O'Brien and Merlin Rohl moving to right-back and central midfield, respectively. The timing is poor with just over a week until the season begins, and the medical assessment in the coming days will determine whether this is a short-term scare or something that costs him the opening fixtures.
Plays off bench
Iroegbunam (undisclosed) played 10 minutes off bench in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Brighton, confirming he is back fit for Everton.
Analysis: Iroegbunam ultimately made the squad and featured 10 minutes off bench in Saturday's draw, confirming he is an option again for the Toffees. This is good news for the team, although he should hold a rotational role in the midfield when the whole squad is fit.
Remains out
Iroegbunam (undisclosed) remains out for Saturday's clash against Brighton but is getting closer, coach David Moyes said in the press conference. "We're still waiting on Tim but he's certainly getting much closer."
Analysis: Iroegbunam will miss a fourth game in a row due to an injury but is getting closer to make a return to the team. The midfielder will likely be assessed at the beginning of next week to see if he can return in upcoming fixtures. That said, with the whole team fully fit, Iroegbunam would only hold a rotational role for the Toffees, therefore his absence doesn't impact much the starting squad.
Not training, out Sunday
Iroegbunam (undisclosed) is out for Sunday's match against Aston Villa after not training this week, according to manager David Moyes. "They're getting closer, but they're not training yet."
Analysis: Iroegbanum is still struggling with an injury that was initially deemed a minor one, but it appears to be more serious after he had to miss training this week. This is something for the club to watch moving forward, as they are already without three other midfielders, seeing a bit of a crisis in the midfield. There is a chance he could get back into training next week and be ready for play, although little has been given on his status.
Suffers slight injury
Iroegbunam (undisclosed) is dealing with a slight injury and is ruled out for Saturday's Carabao Cup clash against Sunderland, coach David Moyes said to the media. "He's just got a slight injury at the moment, so he wasn't available to play."
Analysis: Iroegbunam won't feature in Saturday's Carabao Cup game against the Black Cats since he is dealing with a slight injury. The midfielder will hope to be back available for next Sunday's Premier League clash against Aston Villa since he is a regular starter in the midfield for the Toffees. Merlin Rohl is the one replacing him in the heart of the game against Sunderland.
Assists opener in home draw
Iroegbunam assisted once to go with two shots (zero on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and three chances created in Wednesday's 1-1 draw against Wolverhampton. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 77th minute.
Analysis: Iroegbunam picked up his second assist of the season as he helped Everton take the lead against Wolves. He put the ball back into the box after a set-piece and Michael Keane was able to put the ball into the top corner. He created three chances in the game and this was only the third game he had created a chance at all this season and was the first time he had created more than one.
Defensive stalwart
Iroegbunam had seven tackles (six won) and two interceptions in Saturday's 1-0 defeat versus Arsenal.
Analysis: The midfielder was solid in his return, winning six of his seven tackles and also making a pair of interceptions. He shouldn't have much trouble against Burnley in the next match, as the team only has 19 goals this season.
Clears suspension
Iroegbunam is no longer suspended and is an option moving forward for the club.
Analysis: Iroegbunam has served his suspension due to yellow cards accumulation in the Premier League and is set to return in the next contest. The midfielder has been a regular starter in the heart of the game for the Toffees given the numerous absences and could play a decent role against Chelsea on Saturday when back.
Set for suspension
Iroegbunam will serve one-match ban due to an accumulation of five yellow cards in the Premier League.
Analysis: Iroegbunam accumulated five yellow cards in the Premier League and will be suspended for the clash against Nottingham Forest on Saturday. His absence will impact the starting squad since he has been a regular starter in the midfield for the Toffees, with Carlos Alcaraz likely playing deeper in the midfield if Michael Keane can't recover in time for the game, forcing James Garner to start in the backline again. Iroegbunam will be back available for the clash against Chelsea on Dec. 13.
Assists opener in 2-0 win
Iroegbunam assisted once to go with zero corners and one chance created in Saturday's 2-0 win versus Fulham. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 63rd minute.
Analysis: Iroegbunam assisted Idrissa Gueye for the opening goal just before halftime. This was the first chance he has created in only his fourth start of the season. The midfielder started three of the first four games but hasn't started since mid-September.
Notches three tackles
Iroegbunam had three tackles (two won) in Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Manchester City.
Analysis: Iroegbunam was back on the field for another appearance off the bench Saturday, earning 20 minutes of play. His efforts were limited in his time on the field, recording three tackles (two won). He has now been on the bench to start in four straight games, starting in three of his eight appearances on the team sheet this season.
Plays off bench
Iroegbunam (knock) came off the bench during Wednesday's Carabao Cup clash with Mansfield Town.
Analysis: Iroegbunam was forced off with a knock during a 2-0 win over Brighton, but returned mid-week off the bench. The fact he was deemed fit enough to return straight away is a great sign for Iroegbunam. He should compete for minutes throughout the season, though James Garner could displace him in the starting XI if Garner can move forward from left-back.
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