Lincoln City will be without goalkeeper George Wickens for this weekend’s visit of Wigan Athletic.
The Imps host the Latics in one of the early kick-offs, looking to keep the pressure on at the top of the table. With three wins and one draw from their opening five fixtures, the Imps sit sixth in the table, but could feasibly overtake leaders Wrexham before the rest of the afternoon’s games.
However, they will have to do so without George Wickens, the player they signed from Fulham in the summer. Wickens joined Michael Skubala’s side for an undisclosed fee and has been installed as their number-one keeper for the current season. He was injured last weekend as the Imps drew 1-1 with Peterborough, coming off with a concussion. That injury will now rule him out of tomorrow’s match, as revealed by head coach Skubala in his pre-match press conference.
“He’s going to miss the weekend, hopefully just one game,” said the former Leeds United coach. “We’ve had to follow the concussion protocol, but he’ll be back in training, touch wood. Then we have to follow the procedure next week. All being well, it’s just one game.
“As the days went on, he did his testing, and something flagged up, so we have to follow that, which is right because we need to protect the player.
“It’s good that what happened on Saturday was handled properly. You could see him coming off the pitch for the right reasons. It’s disappointing to lose him because he was doing well, but that’s why we’ve got players ready to come off the bench and take his spot.”
That hands an opportunity to one of the other Imps keepers. They sold three over the summer and signed a trio, meaning one of Jamie Pardington or Zack Jeacock will get the nod. It seems former Birmingham City man Jeacock is going to get the nod, as confirmed by Skubala.
“We’re deciding between him and Jamie. They’re both close, so we’re working out who’s first. Zach came off the bench, but Jamie is in the mix as well. We’re still deciding on that along with the rest of the team.
“Both Jamie and Zach know they could have an opportunity to play. George has obviously grabbed his chance to be number one and has been doing really well for us.”
Who is George Wickens?
Wickens is a promising young goalkeeper known for his sharp reflexes and commanding presence in the box. Rising through the ranks with Fulham’s youth academy, Wickens quickly gained recognition for his performances at both the academy and U21 levels. His shot-stopping ability, composure under pressure, and strong leadership on the field have marked him out as a talent to watch in English football.
Wickens spent a successful loan spell with Wealdstone in the National League, where he gained invaluable first-team experience. His performances there earned praise, showcasing his ability to adapt to senior football and handle the physicality and pace of the game. Known for his excellent distribution and quick decision-making, Wickens has developed into a modern goalkeeper, capable of playing out from the back while remaining a reliable last line of defence.
Other Injury Worries
The Imps will be without three other players for the televised encounter. Reeco Hackett is still unavailable after missing the opening months of the season, with a ‘minor setback’ reported by Skubala a couple of weeks ago. Former Manchester United man Ethan Hamilton is another missing, but he is back training on grass and nearing a return.
A third player, who was available for last weekend’s game, could also miss out. JJ McKiernan, a summer signing from Morecambe, appeared for Northern Ireland Under 21s over the international break but could miss out this weekend.
“JJ hasn’t trained today, and I’m not sure about tomorrow,” added Skubala. “He might be a doubt because he’s quite ill. It’s probably going to be a late decision on whether he makes the squad or not, but everyone else is available, except Hammo, who’s on the grass with us.”
Writer’s View
George Wickens’ injury is undoubtedly a setback, as he has shown immense promise and consistency in recent matches. His quick reflexes, shot-stopping ability, and confidence in commanding his area have been key assets to the team. Losing such a reliable presence in goal, even if just for one match, could disrupt the defensive cohesion the squad has been building. Wickens’ absence also raises concerns about the team’s ability to maintain their current form, especially when facing opposition that will likely look to exploit the uncertainty of a new goalkeeper stepping in.
With Wickens sidelined, Zack Jeacock could be allowed to prove himself, and it’s a chance he must seize. Though relatively untested at this level, Jeacock has been waiting for his moment, and now he’ll need to step up to the challenge. There’s always a risk when a backup goalkeeper comes in, but this could also be a blessing in disguise if Jeacock can demonstrate his own potential and stake a claim for more regular first-team action. It will be crucial for the defenders to rally around him and offer him the support needed to settle into the role confidently.
Founder of The Real EFL, Gary is a passionate Lincoln City fan with extensive content creation across the Championship and EFL. He also shares expert football betting tips.
