Lincoln City face table-topping Wycombe Wanderers this weekend with several key players still working their way back to fitness.
Head coach Michael Skubala provided updates on the squad’s injury situation, highlighting both encouraging progress and ongoing concerns.
Paudie O’Connor: “Touch and Go”
Centre-back Paudie O’Connor remains a doubt after sustaining a severe dead leg during the draw with Exeter. Skubala clarified the nature of O’Connor’s injury, dispelling initial fears of a muscle strain.
“Paudie’s not trained yet, so he’s touch and go for the weekend,” said Skubala. “It’s not a pull or a strain. It’s a really, like, powerful, hard, hurt dead leg. So he’s still struggling with that.”
Reeco Hackett Returns with a Knock
Winger Reeco Hackett returned from international duty with St. Lucia carrying a strain. Hackett played in a 4-0 loss to Grenada but missed the subsequent 4-1 defeat to Curaçao. Skubala noted that Hackett’s fitness will be assessed before the weekend clash.
“Reeco’s come back with a little bit of a strain. So again, another one that we’ve just got to manage,” said the Imps boss.
Encouraging Signs from Erik Ring and Adam Jackson
There is positive news for Swedish forward Erik Ring, who returns to contention after missing last week’s matchday squad. Ring, who scored his first goal for the Imps in their last home league game, is expected to feature against Wycombe.
Defender Adam Jackson is also nearing a return. Jackson has been unavailable since his red card against Blackpool on October 8th but could be back for the trip to Wrexham on Tuesday.
“Jacko is very close, probably a bit too close on this one, but he’s very close. Maybe for Tuesday, maybe not. If not Tuesday, hopefully Saturday,” Skubala added.
Looking Ahead to Wycombe
The Imps face a formidable challenge against a Wycombe side on an eight-game winning streak and unbeaten in the league since mid-August. With injuries continuing to test the squad, Lincoln will need a spirited performance to halt the Chairboys’ momentum at Sincil Bank.
Writer’s View
Lincoln City’s injury woes come at a challenging time, with key fixtures piling up. While Erik Ring’s return and Adam Jackson’s progress offer glimmers of hope, the uncertainty around O’Connor and Hackett could hinder the Imps’ preparations. Facing an in-form Wycombe side will test Lincoln’s resilience, but the return of crucial players in the coming weeks could shift momentum back in their favour.
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