The skilful right-winger is part of a side firmly in the picture for automatic promotion in the Championship, but he’s in and out of the starting line-up on a weekly basis.

He was recalled to the starting XI on Friday night for Ipswich’s 0-0 draw at home to Queens Park Rangers. Unfortunately, the attacker couldn’t make his mark on the league match, their final one of 2023.

The result means second-placed Ipswich are now only three points above third-placed Southampton. Leicester City have moved eight points clear at the top of the second division, too.

Local media reaction

Chelsea-owned talent Hutchinson didn’t receive a very positive match rating after Ipswich’s goalless draw versus QPR.

The East Anglian Daily Times commented on the 20-year-old: “This was a big chance for him and he didn’t really take it. Looked off the pace and didn’t do enough to cause Kenneth Paal any problems. His crosses weren’t accurate enough and he just didn’t look as lively as he has done off the bench. Frustrating. 5/10.”

Omari Hutchinson performance

We’ve seen Hutchinson make some really eye-catching cameos off the bench in Ipswich colours this season, but he’s finding it hard to nail down a permanent spot in the XI.

The fast attacker has three goals and three assists in 27 appearances so far this season across all competitions.

Speaking via The Athletic in November, Hutchinson admitted that his ultimate aim is to on day win the Champions League with Chelsea. We love the ambitious youngster setting huge targets.

Our feeling at this stage is that he’ll need another loan before he’s ready for a breakthrough into Chelsea’s first-team squad, but let’s wait and see how he performs in the second half of the season for promotion chasers Ipswich.