Kieran McKenna has stated that Ipswich Town would consider recalling Conor Chaplin from his loan stay with Portsmouth once the two clubs meet on Sunday.

The Tractor Boys and Pompey will face off this weekend at Fratton Park, thus the attacking midfielder will be ineligible for selection because he cannot play against his parent club.

Chaplin returned to the south coast club late in the summer transfer window and has since established himself as a regular in John Mousinho’s squad.

He’s made 19 Championship games, 14 of which were starts, and has one assist since returning to the club where he began his career in 2019.

However, the terms of his temporary trade from Ipswich include a recall clause that can be activated during the January transfer window if the Suffolk club so chooses.

Kieran McKenna confirms Conor Chaplin recall for Ipswich Town.

McKenna has stated that no solid discussions on Ipswich’s January plans have taken place yet, and that work will begin in earnest following this weekend’s trip to Portsmouth.

However, he believes that players on loan should be included in that conversation, which might lead to Chaplin’s recall as the team attempts to boost their promotion chances this month.

“There hasn’t been any talks,” McKenna told the East Anglian Daily Times.

“I believe assessments on what we want to do with the entire group, ins and outs, and squad balance, will come after Sunday.

“Of course, the club is working hard behind the scenes, but there has been such a hectic schedule of games. Things can always change.

“We’ll go through Sunday and then get down, look at the four months since September, and analyze the group – where we think we could make any additions, where we might want to be a little tighter in the group.

“And, of course, players who are on loan will be part of those discussions.”

Ipswich moved up to second in the Championship table after defeating Oxford United on Thursday afternoon.

The Tractor Boys are eight points behind leaders Coventry City, but have secured an automatic promotion position.

The margin to Middlesbrough in third place is only one point, emphasizing the importance of seeking improvements to the first-team squad, if available.

McKenna’s team will travel to Fratton Park on Sunday for a 3pm kickoff against 21st-place Portsmouth, with the hosts hoping to avoid relegation.

Conor Chaplin’s return would affect Portsmouth, despite his modest goal and assist record.

Chaplin has failed to provide the formidable attacking threat that Portsmouth expected when he returned in the summer.

However, he remains an essential element of John Mousinho’s ambitions, and his departure would necessitate the signing of a replacement, which would be difficult.

Portsmouth will require offensive reinforcements this month nonetheless, as they need something to make a difference if they are to avoid relegation.

However, losing Chaplin would be a setback, and it’s uncertain whether he could make a significant difference for Ipswich in their promotion quest at this point, considering the choices they currently have in the number 10 position.