Lincoln City boss Michael Skubala says his players are “buzzing” to return to action this weekend as they prepare to face table-topping Stevenage at the LNER Stadium.
The Imps sit sixth in League One, just 4 points behind the leaders, and will be aiming to close the gap in 1 of the standout fixtures of the weekend.
What Happened and Why It Matters
Skubala’s side returns after the international break, with the head coach keen to get back on the touchline against one of the division’s form teams. Stevenage have made a flying start under Alex Revell, but Lincoln’s momentum remains strong after a solid run before the pause.
Speaking ahead of the game, Skubala said the mood in the camp was upbeat.
“Yeah, buzzing. I think everyone’s excited. We want to, you know, go against Stevenage who are flying. So I think everyone’s excited for the game. It’s going to be a tough game. But yeah, everyone’s really, really happy to get back going again.”
The return of three international players has further boosted the squad. Midfielder Ivan Varfolomeev, the club’s record signing, is already back in training, while Justin Obikwu and Dexter Lembikisa are expected to rejoin the group on Friday.
Lembikisa played twice for Jamaica over the break, while Obikwu earned a Trinidad and Tobago cap after recent goals against Peterborough and Luton.
Will Lincoln City’s international players be available to face league leaders Stevenage on Saturday?
Hear now from Imps head coach Michael Skubala on the latest episode of Lincoln City: Red Imps Club on BBC Sounds.
🎧https://t.co/6slNmaedzH pic.twitter.com/yG38k1JttQ
— BBC Sport Lincolnshire (@BBCSportLincs) October 16, 2025
Skubala confirmed that all 3 are under consideration to feature at the weekend.
“We’re still waiting on two to get back from where they’ve been. Ivan’s back in the building and had a light training session today. Injury-wise, no issues to report.
“We’ve just got to look after them as well as they come back in, because obviously travel and playing games not so long ago. So, no, touch wood, they’re all good.
“Just waiting for Dexter and Justin to come back in tomorrow, we hope.”
Reaction, Impact, and What Comes Next
🏆 Conor McGrandles is the @BainlandPark Player of the Month for September.
👊 Congratulations, Conor! pic.twitter.com/DoN4tl7lBT
— Lincoln City FC 🇺🇦 (@LincolnCity_FC) October 6, 2025
There was further good news for Lincoln supporters as Conor McGrandles was declared fit after missing the defeat to Exeter City before the break.
“Yeah, he’s good. So he’s had a full training week this week, which is great news. So he’s good to go as well.”
The return of McGrandles adds depth to an already competitive midfield, while the prospect of Varfolomeev, Lembikisa, and Obikwu all being available gives Skubala options in key areas.
Victory over Stevenage would move Lincoln within a point of the summit and underline their credentials as early promotion contenders. With the international players back and confidence high, Saturday’s fixture promises to be one of the biggest tests yet of the Imps’ growing momentum.
