Lincoln City fans were given a glimpse of hope as Tyler Walker, the club’s 2023 marquee signing, made his return to the matchday squad for the first time since July.
Although he didn’t feature in the victory over Crawley Town, his presence on the bench signals progress in his recovery from a challenging injury spell.
Walker’s Long Road to Recovery
The striker’s journey has been anything but straightforward. Walker, who was briefly available last season, suffered a recurrence of his injury during a pre-season tour, setting back his return. Despite months of rehabilitation, his condition has required cautious management to avoid further setbacks.
Head coach Michael Skubala offered insight into Walker’s situation during his pre-match press conference. The former Nottingham Forest forward has been inching closer to fitness, but Skubala emphasised the importance of a measured approach.
“Tyler is in a situation where he’s building back minutes,” said Michael. “He’s been out of football for ages. We put him on the bench last game of the season just in case because we know his quality. Then he got injured again, and he’s on his way back.”
Walker’s injury, described as intermittent, adds complexity to his recovery. However, his inclusion in the squad against Crawley was seen as a significant mental boost, allowing him to reintegrate into the team environment. With nine substitutes permitted, it was an opportunity to ease him back into the camaraderie of matchdays.
Skubala reiterated the importance of this process, and why he had Walker in his FA Cup squad,
“With nine subs, we can get Tyler on the bench and integrate him back into the dressing room.” added Michael. “There’s no better feeling for a player than being part of the dressing room, winning and losing. That’s their sugar, their sacred place. When you’ve not been there for a while, it’s hard to feel part of it. Getting Tyler back into that motion is key.”
While Walker is not expected to feature imminently, the coaching staff are monitoring his progress closely. His ability to play short stints offers some hope, but the priority remains ensuring he can return without risking further setbacks.
Writer’s View
Walker’s return couldn’t come at a better time for Lincoln City, with the season’s second half on the horizon. His potential to add firepower up front is undeniable, but the club’s cautious approach reflects the lessons of past injuries. If managed effectively, Walker could be a pivotal figure in the Imps’ push for success this season.
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.
