Lincoln City head coach Michael Skubala has confirmed one player is out and another is back ahead of Saturday’s clash with Leyton Orient.
The Imps head into the weekend in strong health, with only minor setbacks disrupting what has been one of the club’s most consistent spells for player availability this season.
Keeper Injured, But What Is The Impact?
Goalkeeper Zach Jeacock will miss the upcoming matches after suffering a shoulder injury in training. The 24-year-old, who has been among the substitutes in recent weeks, has undergone a scan and is expected to be sidelined for a short spell.
“He’s fallen on his shoulder in training,” Skubala explained in his pre-match press conference. “He’s had a scan, he’s going to be out for a couple of weeks, but he should be okay, not too long.”
With Jeacock unavailable, the manager was asked about the situation surrounding Jamie Pardington, who has been out on loan but remains eligible to feature. Current FA Cup regulations now allow players to appear for two clubs in the same competition within one season.
“He’s obviously gone out on loan and played in the FA Cup,” Skubala added. “You can play for two teams this year, so he’s good to be on the bench through league games and the FA Cup next week.”
The only other fresh concern before the trip to Brisbane Road had been around defender Adam Jackson, but the experienced centre-back is back in full training and pushing for inclusion this weekend.
📲 @ZachJeacock pic.twitter.com/7pSdFrEbFc
— Lincoln City FC 🇺🇦 (@LincolnCity_FC) September 24, 2025
Significant Injury Boost As Jackson Returns
Jackson’s return is a significant boost for a Lincoln side that prides itself on defensive organisation and consistency. If the 31-year-old is not risked from the start, recent arrival Tom Hamer is expected to continue in the back line after an impressive display in the win over Stevenage.
“Jacko’s back into training, which is great news,” said Skubala. “We’re just seeing how it reacts this week, but he should be in for selection for Saturday, which is fantastic news.”
Elsewhere, midfielder Dom Jefferies and attacker Jack Moylan remain unavailable but are both nearing returns. Jefferies has rejoined parts of team training as he builds up fitness, while Moylan continues outdoor running.
“We’re in a good place with bodies,” Skubala said. “Jack is doing his running, Dom Jefferies is into team training and building up his fitness and body again. It’s a really competitive and exciting group at the moment.”
With few absences and competition for places increasing, the Imps look well-positioned for a demanding run of fixtures through the winter period. Lincoln will seek to avenge last season’s narrow 3-2 defeat at Leyton Orient, and a near fully fit squad offers their best chance to do exactly that.
Real EFL Pundit Expects Goals
Speaking on the EFL Access All Areas Podcast on talkSPORT, Real EFL writer Gary Hutchinson predicted a game with plenty of goals.
Citing the game at Brisbane Road last season as an example, he pointed to several games where there have been goals between the 2, including a brace of 3-2 wins around the turn of the century, and a 4-3 Orient win at the LNER Stadium under Keith Alexander.
Having Adam Jackson back for the fixture will help stem some of the Orient threat, should he be called upon.
