Lincoln City Head Coach Michael Skubala says that goalkeeper George Wickens will undergo tests to check for concussion after being forced off in the Imps’ 1-1 draw with Peterborough United yesterday.
It was an entertaining encounter at the Weston Homes Stadium, with Ben House handing the visitors a first half lead before Kwame Poku’s stunning strike rescued a point for the home side. It was a result which extended Lincoln’s unbeaten away run to 12 games, equalling a club record.
Whilst an excellent point on the road, Skubala’s team didn’t come away unscathed. In what looked like a fairly innocuous coming together in the second half, Wickens received lengthy treatment before being replaced by Zach Jeacock.
There was immediately fears that the 22-year-old could be set for an extended period on the sidelines, although Skubala was quick to play down any fears. However, he did admit that tests will be done to reveal whether the shot stopper did receive a concussion:
“George was shook up but he’s fine,” he told official club media. “He’s going with Kieran Walker (head of medical) and the doctors now for testing to make sure there’s no concussion.
“He has to get monitored now. The first thing is safety. The testing will take a few days and we’ll make sure we look after him first and foremost.”
Wickens joined Lincoln on a four-year deal in the summer from Premier League outfit Fulham. It was the club’s third goalkeeper acquisition of the transfer window having already brought in Jeacock and Jamie Pardington.
The decision was made to bring in a new number one after previous first choice Lukas Jenson departed the club for the Championship in July, joining Millwall for a fee believed to be around £400,000. Wickens has since started all five of the Imps’ league games this season, keeping his first clean sheet in a 1-0 win over Stevenage at the end of last month.
With no midweek fixture, Wickens will have a full week to recover before Wigan Athletic arrive in Lincolnshire next Saturday.
Writer’s View
The most important thing is that Wickens’ injury does not appear to be anything too serious. Lincoln will be hopeful that he will be available for next weekend’s clash at the LNER Stadium, although Michael Skubala won’t take any unnecessary risks. The Imps are well stacked in the goalkeeping department and have other options.
This could be a small opportunity for Jeacock to raise his profile. He started both of Lincoln’s cup defeats against Harrogate Town in the Carabao Cup and Chesterfield in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy, but he will be keen to showcase his talents where it really matters – league football.
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