Ipswich Town attacker Sammie Szmodics has withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland squad once again, marking the third time this year he has been forced to miss international duty. The 30-year-old will sit out the upcoming fixtures against Portugal and Armenia due to another setback with his ankle.

Szmodics, who has earned 11 caps since making his international debut in 2024, has endured a stop-start spell with the national team as recurring injuries continue to disrupt his progress. He missed Ireland’s summer matches last year because of an ankle problem and had to withdraw from the previous squad after featuring in the draw with Hungary in Dublin.

According to the East Anglian Daily Times, a recurrence of that same ankle issue has ruled him out once more, leaving Heimir Hallgrimsson without one of his attacking options for the upcoming internationals.

The news comes shortly after Szmodics played 86 minutes in Ipswich’s impressive 3–1 derby win over Norwich City at Portman Road on Sunday. While the extent of the new injury has not been confirmed, his fitness will be closely monitored ahead of Ipswich’s October 17 trip to Middlesbrough.

Ipswich hoping rest will aid Szmodics’ recovery

For Ireland, Szmodics’ absence is another blow in what has been a difficult qualifying campaign, with their World Cup hopes already hanging by a thread. Despite not yet finding his rhythm in a green shirt, his experience and creativity remain valuable to the squad.

However, from Ipswich’s perspective, the break could come at the right time. Szmodics has featured in every game so far this season, but it’s clear he’s been managing fitness concerns. The rest period could allow him to recover fully and return sharper for the club’s upcoming fixtures.

Manager Kieran McKenna will undoubtedly view Szmodics as a key figure in the Tractor Boys’ push this season. Although Ipswich boast depth and quality across the pitch, players of Szmodics’ calibre can make the difference when in top form.

So far, the forward has yet to record a goal or assist in his opening nine appearances, suggesting he hasn’t quite hit his stride. Ipswich and Ireland alike will hope this short spell of rest helps him regain full fitness — and rediscover the form that once made him one of the Championship’s most effective attacking threats.