Lincoln City manager Michael Skubala says that striker Freddie Draper will need to be assessed after picking up an injury in Walsall’s 6-1 win over Grimsby Town this afternoon.
The 19-year-old is currently enjoying a season-long loan with the League Two outfit and has scored 10 goals in 21 league appearances. This has led to speculation that Lincoln may look to recall the teenager, as the injuries continue to mount up at Sincil Bank.
The Imps suffered their fourth successive defeat this afternoon when they went down 2-0 at the hands of promotion-chasing Blackpool, a game which saw Lasse Sorenson withdrawn shortly before the hour mark with a suspected groin strain.
Skubala had already failed to name a full contingent this afternoon and they entered the clash at Bloomfield Road with just six substitutes. Sorenson’s injury means that Lincoln’s list of first team absentees grows to 10, although Shrewsbury Town’s progression to the FA Cup third round now means the East Midlands’ outfit have a 12-day break before their next fixture.
The boss is likely to welcome Reeco Hackett back to the squad for the trip to Wycombe Wanderers, although he will still be without a number of key attackers, including Ben House and Tyler Walker. The 41-year-old confirmed last week that conversations had taken place with Walsall regarding the early termination of Freddie Draper’s loan deal, saying:
“We’ve been speaking to Walsall. He’s scored 10 goals in League Two and could be one of the options.
“I like Freddie. I’ve spoken to Freddie myself. I like what he’s about. I think he can add to us.
“I think you’re probably going to see Freddie, maybe, come back into the building if we think it’s completely right.”
The attacker lasted just over half an hour in the Saddlers’ emphatic victory at Blundell Park this afternoon, with Skubala learning of news in his post-match conference this evening.
🔁𝐒𝐔𝐁🔁
An early change is made as Draper is unable to continue…
🐟1-0🔴🔴#Saddlers pic.twitter.com/ZPVYGI1fCY
— Walsall FC Official (@WFCOfficial) January 1, 2024
“That probably sums it up at the minute, doesn’t it?” he laughed when speaking to BBC Radio Lincolnshire. “Even our own players away from us are getting injured. I haven’t heard necessarily, so we’ll see what that is.
“If we are going to recall him, we’ve got to look after him as well. So, we need to get him back in the building and assess him, see what it is and look after him more than most.
“You’re right, we’re limited for bodies at the moment and players seem to be getting knocks and injuries. It just seems, I won’t say unlucky, but we have to be better in both boxes.
“I thought there was some good performances with some of the lads out there today, but we have to improve.”
Lincoln slipped to 11th in League One as a result of today’s defeat and will welcome the near-two week break to regroup.
Writer’s View
Injuries are indeed part and parcel of the game, although few can deny that Lincoln have suffered more than most this season. The fact that these have all occurred to first team players makes this even more unusual, but there is now light at the end of the tunnel.
Skubala will be keeping a close eye on Freddie Draper’s situation and is likely to already be in communication with Walsall over the extent of the niggle. He will be hoping that his withdrawal was nothing more than a precaution, especially as it is looking increasingly likely that his next outing will be in the red and white of Lincoln.
Head of Writing
