Lincoln City will be without key midfielders Dom Jefferies and Jovon Makama for the remainder of the League One campaign after both suffered injuries during the 2-2 draw with Charlton Athletic.
Makama, 21, sustained a hamstring problem just 25 minutes into the match and had to be substituted. Jefferies replaced him but lasted only until the 84th minute before also being forced off with an ongoing hip issue.
While Makama will sit out the remaining five fixtures, Jefferies’ prognosis is more severe. The 22-year-old is set to undergo surgery, ruling him out for the rest of this season, the entire pre-season schedule, and the start of the 2025-26 campaign.
Makama has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign, with 11 goals in 45 appearances. His performances in March were particularly impressive, earning him the Sky Bet League One Player of the Month award after he netted five goals and provided three assists. That run included a memorable first career hat-trick against Bristol Rovers.
“Scoring my first professional hat-trick was a moment I’ll never forget and felt that bit more special having played for this club since I was 16. This is a club where they’re willing to put their trust in young players.
Jefferies has also been a reliable presence in midfield, featuring 43 times and scoring three goals this season. Hebegan his football journey at Caerleon and Cardiff before joining Newport County at fourteen. After making six senior cup appearances in 2019–20, he had a short loan at Salisbury before being released in 2020. He returned to Salisbury permanently, then earned a move to Brentford B in 2021, where he captained the side and won their Players’ Player award.
In 2022, he joined Gillingham, racking up 71 appearances over two seasons and winning their Young Player of the Year. Jefferies signed for Lincoln City in July 2024, scoring his first goal for the club in January 2025 against Peterborough.
Lincoln currently sit 11th in League One ahead of their upcoming home fixture against bottom club Shrewsbury Town, who former Imps manager Michael Appleton now leads. While a play-off push is no longer mathematically viable, Michael Skubala’s side had been looking to finish the season positively before this injury setback.
Writer’s view
Makama’s injury halts what was becoming a real breakout story, and Jefferies’ extended absence is a significant concern for next season. Lincoln’s ambitions of ending the campaign on a high now face disruption.
While safety is secured and promotion out of reach, these final games were a chance to build cohesion and test tactics. Skubala must now turn to fringe players and academy options to fill the void, but it’s a shame fans won’t see more of two of the side’s brightest performers.
