The Imps are set to take on Leyton Orient this weekend, aiming to extend their unbeaten streak, which has been ongoing since mid-August.
On paper, it looks like a good chance to extend that run, which goes back to the unfortunate defeat against Barnsley. On grass, it looks even more promising, as we’re set to welcome back two faces that we have yet to see this season.
City currently sit fourth in the league table, following the late smash and grab at Blackpool earlier this week. We will be eager to secure a home victory to keep the pressure on the top three before the international break. With the October 12th match against Wrexham postponed, this is a good chance to sign off in style.
In recent weeks, injuries have plagued the Imps, not that you’d have noticed. We’ve got tremendous squad depth, but we have been lacking some pretty big hitters, not least against Blackpool. Ben House, Dylan Duffy, Reeco Hackett, Ethan Hamilton, and Tyler Walker would all likely have been pushing for a start, and Zach Jeacock, would have almost certainly been on the bench.
Adam Jackson will miss this weekend’s game, but head coach Michael Skubala provided some positive updates on Thursday, indicating that a few of these players may return.
One who will not be back is Ben House, as Michael explained to BBC Radio Lincolnshire. “There’s two issues,” said Michael. “The broken nose, which seems like it’s recovering well, and the concussion as well, so he’s going through protocols at the minute. There’s two things that have to align there, so he’ll be out this weekend – it’s a bit too early we think.”
The news is significantly more promising for Ethan Hamilton, who joined the Imps last summer from Accrington Stanley. The former Rochdale midfielder has been out since February, and his recovery has been slowly teased over the last few weeks, like the release of a new film. Well, we might get a glimpse of something more than a trailer this weekend.
“He’s been on the grass the last couple of weeks, looking good,” Skubala confirmed. “He’s in contention for selection this weekend. Obviously, he can’t do 90, but he could potentially make the bench. If not, then looking at Tuesday for Ethan.”
Similarly, Reeco Hackett, signed from Portsmouth in the same transfer window, is a notable absence. He suffered a set back when he got close last time, but it seems he, too, is back in contention. “Reeco is back training with the group this week. This weekend or Tuesday is more likely, so a similar situation to Hamo.”
Next week, the Imps face Grimsby Town in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy, where it is expected both players will get minutes. Another player who could feature against the Codheads is backup goalkeeper Zach Jeacock. Jeacock stepped in when George Wickens was injured against Peterborough, impressing with a clean sheet against Wigan the following week.
He also played in the BSM Trophy defeat against Chesterfield and his recovery is progressing after a recent car accident, as Skubala noted, “He’s getting on okay, following protocols well. Again, we still have to follow the days, but he’s coming back well through the protocols.”
The game is also sure to be poignant, as it marks a year (almost to the day) that Derek Reynolds passed away at Brisbane Road during our game against them last season. Obviously, first and foremost, are thoughts are with his family, friends and the club going into the fixture.
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