Lincoln City have been dealt a significant setback with loan striker Bailey Cadamarteri set to miss up to six weeks due to an adductor injury sustained in training.
The Sheffield Wednesday forward, who is currently the Imps’ leading scorer with eight goals, is now facing a spell on the sidelines.
Skubala Confirms Injury Woes
Lincoln City manager Michael Skubala confirmed the injury during this week’s press conference, adding to the club’s mounting fitness concerns. Tyler Walker is also unavailable due to injury, leaving the Imps with only four fit strikers. Rob Street’s recent loan move to Doncaster further limits Skubala’s attacking options.
“We’ve lost Bailey for a few weeks,” Skubala explained. “When does Bailey come back? Probably in about six weeks, which is not ideal because Bailey’s been developing really well. But we’ve lost him through an adductor injury in training.”
Skubala emphasised the importance of maintaining depth in the striker department, stating that the club needs five forwards to sustain their aggressive playing style. “Five is a good number for us, and they’ll all get minutes. We’ll be raring to go,” he added.
Cadamarteri’s Journey So Far
Cadamarteri joined Lincoln City on a season-long loan from Sheffield Wednesday in August 2024. Since making his debut in a 1–0 win against Stevenage, he has become a key player for the Imps, scoring five of his eight goals in League One. His contributions have been crucial to the team’s attacking threat this season.
The 21-year-old began his career in Sheffield Wednesday’s youth system, signing his first professional contract in June 2022. After impressing in the EFL Trophy and with the U18s and U21s, he earned his league debut in November 2023. Cadamarteri’s strong performances under Danny Röhl at Wednesday, including winning the EFL Young Player of the Month award in December 2023, solidified his reputation as a promising young talent.
Impact on Lincoln’s Campaign
Cadamarteri’s injury comes at a critical point in Lincoln City’s campaign. With limited striker options, Skubala may need to rely heavily on his remaining forwards to maintain their attacking momentum. The Imps are likely to explore solutions to bolster their squad depth as they navigate the next six weeks without their top scorer.
Writer’s View
Bailey Cadamarteri’s absence is a significant blow for Lincoln City, particularly given his impressive contributions this season. While the team has four fit strikers, replacing his goals and dynamic play will be challenging. The next few weeks will test Lincoln’s depth and resilience, and finding ways to adapt could prove crucial in their pursuit of success.
