Michael Skubala has revealed that the Imps will be without Tom Bayliss in the foreseeable future after a knee ligament injury.
That’s balanced by the return of striker Ben House, back in full training and looking sharp on Tuesday when we went to the training ground. Ethan Hamilton is in full contention, and Reeco Hackett is likely to play some part. There’s also a question mark over Adam Jackson – we noticed he was training separately on Tuesday and is likely to be missing for the game against Birmingham.
Talking to BBC Radio Lincolnshire, Michael confirmed the latest injury situation.
“We’ve picked up a few bodies that we didn’t think we had injuries wise,” he told Michael Hortin. “We’ve got Jacko as a late one, late fitness test because he’s felt something from Grimsby, but we’ll see how he is, if he can make Saturday. If not, we might have to send him for a scan.”
While Jacko might miss the game, Michael explained that Ethan Hamilton was now properly back after his two appearances against Orient and Grimsby.
“Hammo’s back, Rico’s got his minutes and niggle, but he’s now back in full training, House is back in full training, so we’re looking good.”
We’re also likely to benefit from the return of our two international players, JJ McKiernan and Sean Roughan. Both scored goals for their country last week, but Sean suffered heartbreak as Ireland failed to qualify for the Euros.
“The two international boys, Sean and JJ, have come back fresh, not injured,” added Michael. “So they’re really in contention to start again. We’re healthy. We could be healthier, but we’ll see.”
Of course, the return of Ben House is huge. He was concussed in the 2-0 win at Cambridge, returning to training this week to give us a timely boost against the league leaders.
“I think Ben House gives us so much,” Michael continued. “He’s probably the most experienced on our top line, so he gives us a lot of experience and does a lot for us in off-the-ball stuff as well as on-the-ball.
“He was looking a real threat before he got his concussion. His nose is good, and his concussion protocols have finalized, so he’s all good.”
The final bit of injury news, which is not so good, is around Tom Bayliss. He was seen boarding a train last week in Lincoln limping, and that situation has now become clear.
“The only other one to talk about is Tom Bayliss. He’s done his knee ligaments in the Barnsley game, so he’s going to be out for a bit of time.
“We’re not sure (how long) yet, it’s how he reacts. He’s had a scan, and it’s whether or not he needs surgery. That’s probably going to become clearer in the next couple of weeks with the medical team.”
That is a blow – Bayliss was a fairly big capture over the summer and has had a decent start to the season. However, he has lost his place in recent weeks to Jack Moylan, and with JJ McKiernan impressing with Northern Ireland, it still feels like we’re in a good position when it comes to covering the injuries. The same goes for Jacko – Tom Hamer will come in and Lewis Montsma will be on the bench, absorbing the impact of the absences.
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