Lincoln City have been dealt a major blow after confirming that captain Tendayi Darikwa has suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.
The defender sustained the injury during Saturday’s Championship fixture against Portsmouth at Sincil Bank. Darikwa was forced out of the action during the second half, with Andrei Coubiș introduced in his place.
Subsequent scans have now revealed the full extent of the damage. Darikwa will require surgery before beginning what the club have described as an extensive rehabilitation programme alongside City’s medical and performance staff.
The severity of the injury means the 34-year-old will not play again this season. It is a devastating setback for both the player and the Imps. Darikwa has been one of City’s most influential performers since arriving at Sincil Bank in the summer of 2024, bringing experience, consistency and a significant attacking threat from the right-hand side.
“Everyone at the club is fully behind Tendayi and will provide him with the support he needs throughout his rehabilitation,” a short club statement said.
He scored five times during his first season with the club and was subsequently named City’s Player of the Season. His performances also led to him being appointed captain ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Darikwa played an important role as the Imps won the League One title and secured promotion to the Championship, contributing six league goals during the campaign. His performances earned him places in both the EFL League One Team of the Season and the PFA League One Team of the Year.
The former Zimbabwe international had begun the new Championship season as a central figure in the side, making three appearances across the league and Carabao Cup before suffering the injury against Portsmouth.
A Major Absence For City
Losing Darikwa is about far more than replacing a right-sided defender. His leadership, experience and influence have become important components of this Lincoln squad, particularly following the step up into the Championship.
Across his two completed seasons with the Imps, Darikwa has made more than 100 appearances in all competitions and scored 11 league goals. He has also demonstrated the durability which made the nature of Saturday’s injury particularly cruel.
His absence will now leave City’s coaching staff needing to find a longer-term solution on the right side. However, the immediate concern will be supporting Darikwa through surgery and the lengthy rehabilitation process which follows an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Darikwa has previously represented Chesterfield, Burnley, Nottingham Forest, Wigan Athletic and Apollon Limassol during a career which has included more than 500 senior appearances. He has also won promotion from League One with Wigan, as well as lifting the League Two title with Chesterfield before repeating that achievement one division higher with City.
There is no disguising the scale of the setback. Darikwa has been an outstanding player and captain for the Imps, and his season ending after just a handful of matches is a desperately disappointing outcome for everyone connected with the club.
Everyone at the Stacey West wishes Tendayi the best of luck with his recovery.
Comments Welcome!