Ex-Man Utd star ‘grateful to nonetheless have his thumb’ after freak harm in September

Axel Tuanzebe was part of Ipswich Town’s squad on Saturday – and ahead of the clash with Chelsea he admitted he’s just happy to still have his thumb

Former Manchester United star and Hungry Hungry Hippos world record holder Axel Tuanzebe has admitted he’s glad to still have his thumb.

Tuanzebe, 27, was part of Ipswich’s side on Sunday afternoon as they held Chelsea to a 2-2 draw. And ahead of the game, the Englishman admitted he’s just happy to be playing football again.

Back in September, the full-back almost lost his thumb when he sustained a cut hand while washing up. He said: “It’s something I just want to put behind me, move forward and focus on the football.

“It cost me a few games this season and I want to make up for it. It wasn’t a minor issue, it was quite serious. The club have been very supportive, the medical staff in particular.

“I’m just grateful that I still have my thumb intact. It’s OK now thanks to a good doctor and now it is time to crack on and knuckle down for the season.”

Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna revealed at the time: “It’s a household accident – very, very unfortunate and very, very serious.

“He was very close to losing his thumb. He’s had surgery to repair the tendons in the thumb that was damaged; I think the recovery is going pretty well, but it’s a long-term injury.

“As much as it sounds a pretty innocuous body part regards the game of football, it’s a pretty important body part in human anatomy. He needs to let it recover.”

Chelsea battled back from two goals down on Sunday afternoon – to keep their hopes of Champions League football next season alive.

The Blues are currently sixth in the Premier League, one point behind Manchester City in fifth and two behind fourth placed Newcastle United.

Five teams will qualify for the Champions League next season, thanks to Arsenal beating Real Madrid.