Lincoln City face Leyton Orient this weekend, looking to extend their unbeaten run, which stretches back to mid-August.
The Imps are fourth in the current league table, having snatched a draw at Blackpool this week, and will be looking for a home win to keep the pressure up on the top three going into the international break. Their game on October 12th with Wrexham has been called off, so they’ll be looking to sign off for a fortnight with three points.
In recent weeks, the Imps have been suffering injuries, with no fewer than six players missing for the game against Blackpool. This weekend, Adam Jackson will be out of action, he was sent off against Blackpool and serves a one match ban.
Ben House, Dylan Duffy, Zach Jeacock, Reeco Hackett, Ethan Hamilton and Tyler Walker are all recent absentees, but as head coach Michael Skubala explained to the press on Thursday, some of those could return. That includes Hackett and Hamilton, both absent since last season.
Regarding Ben House, Skubala explained: “There’s two issues, the broken nose, which seems like it’s recovering well, and the concussion as well, so he’s going through protocols at the minute. There’s two things that have to align there, so he’ll be out this weekend – it’s a bit too early we think.”
However, it is better news on Hamilton, signed last summer from Accrington Stanley. The former Manchester United midfielder has been out of action since February, and his return has been carefully managed. It seems as if finally, Imps fans will get to see one of last season’s start men again.
“He’s been on the grass the last couple of weeks, looking good,” confirmed Skubala. “He’s in contention for selection this weekend. Obviously, he can’t do 90, but he could potentially make the bench. If not, then looking at Tuesday for Ethan.”
The same goes for Reeco Hackett, a capture from Portsmouth in the same window. The winger has been playing left wing back for the Imps, but he too missed the start of the season and has been back in training recently.
“Reeco is back training with the group this week. This weekend or Tuesday is more likely, so a similar situation to Hamo.”
The Imps face Grimsby Town in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy next week, and it is likely both players will get minutes then, if not in the game against Ritchie Wellen’s Orient. Another player who could feature is understudy keeper Zach Jeacock. He’s unlikely to be involved against Orient, but did step in when George Wickens got injured against Peterborough, impressing a week later by keeping a clean sheet against Wigan.
He has been playing in the BSM Trophy, but a car accident has ruled him out recently with a concussion. However, he’s making progress, with Skubala adding, “He’s getting on okay, following [concussion] protocols well. Again, we still have to follow the days, but he’s coming back well through the protocols.”
Last season, the Imps beat Orient at the LNER Staium 1-0, with a last-minute goal from striker Jovon Makama. The first game between the two was tinged with sadness when O’s fan Derek Reynolds suffered a medical emergency and tragically lost his life. Orient led that game 1-0, but it was replayed, with Ethan Hamilton scoring in the final minute to give the Imps a 1-0 win.
Writer’s View
Injuries continue to be a significant challenge for Michael Skubala as Lincoln City prepares for their upcoming clash with Leyton Orient. The absence of key players like Ben House, still recovering from a broken nose and concussion, could weaken the side’s attacking options. House’s unavailability underscores the delicate balance between player health and the desire to return to action quickly, with concussion protocols rightly taking precedence. His recovery may be crucial for the team’s long-term prospects, but fans will be disappointed not to see him in the lineup.
On a more positive note, the return of Ethan Hamilton and Reeco Hackett to training gives Skubala some hope for reinforcements. While Hamilton might not be fully fit for 90 minutes, his potential to make an impact from the bench could be a much-needed boost. Meanwhile, Hackett’s recovery, expected to be fully realized by Tuesday, adds another option for the team in the near future
Founder and Editor-in-Chief at 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.
