Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna says uncertainty around whether captain Sam Morsy will be called up for Egypt's African Cup of Nations squad makes planning for the January transfer window difficult.

The Blues boss now knows that centre-back Cameron Burgess will go to the Asian Cup with Australia in January - and could miss as many as six Championship games - but that midfielder Massimo Luongo will be available after he announced his international retirement this week.

It still remains unclear whether influential skipper Morsy will be in the Egypt squad for the AFCON tournament that takes place in the Ivory Coast during January/February though. The 31-year-old was recalled to the Pharoahs' international set-up in September, but then subsequently left out of squads in October/November.

"Of course, it is a bit more difficult planning, and it would be better if we knew, but that is just the way it is," said McKenna. We will try to prepare for both eventualities.

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“The Asian Cup and the African Cup of Nations are two things in the calendar that you know are coming. You have to make sure you are ready for it.

“As we’ve said before, as you progress you're going to have more of these things to deal with. That is the challenge ahead of us.

"We will try to be ready for this period coming up. Players can pick up injuries, illnesses, suspensions. We have to make sure we have enough cover for the rigours of the season."

On Luongo's decision to retire from international duty at the age of 31, McKenna said: "He has had a fantastic international career and playing for his country has meant an awful lot to him.

“But he feels like that it’s the stage of his career where he’s got a young family and, with all the commitments in club football, and with the travel concern, this would be the right decision.

“I think it is nice to see him get well wishes from the Australian federation and a lot of appreciation for all the great games that he has had for Australia.

“We are happy to have him here, not just for January but in general. He has been a really important player for us over the last 12 months and long may that continue.”

Since joining Town on a free transfer from Middlesbrough at the start of 2023, Luongo has started 31 games. The Blues' record in those matches is W24 D6 L1.