On-loan Ipswich Town striker Ali Al-Hamadi has been sidelined once more at Luton Town after picking up a fresh injury during Iraq’s latest international fixtures.

The 23-year-old joined the Hatters on deadline day in a season-long move from Ipswich but arrived carrying a calf problem. He finally made his first appearances for Luton earlier this month—coming off the bench in a 4–3 FA Cup win over Forest Green Rovers before featuring in the league during a 3–0 victory at Stockport County.

His return to action earned him a call-up for Iraq, where he won his 16th cap and found the net in a 1–1 World Cup qualifier against the UAE. However, he was taken off at half-time, and it has now emerged that he has suffered a quad injury. The timeframe for his recovery remains unclear.

Manager Jack Wilshere expressed his frustration at the setback, saying: “Ali has picked up an injury, which is obviously disappointing for him after everything he’s already dealt with, and disappointing for us because he’s someone who can really help the team. But we’ll support him and wait for him to get back.”

He added that the club is still assessing the full extent of the problem: “We’re waiting to find out how long he’ll be out. It’s not ideal for him. Simon Parsell has gone with him today for an appointment, which should give us more information. It’s definitely not just a couple of weeks — it looks like it’ll be longer.”

Al-Hamadi’s loan includes an obligation to buy, with the deal valued at £3 million.