Lincoln City will head to Bristol City with Daniel Oyegoke fit and Tom Hamer close to returning, but Mason Melia faces a few weeks on the sidelines.
Tom Shaw delivered a largely positive update following Saturday’s 1-0 victory at Preston North End, confirming that the squad had come through the game well. However, Melia is expected to remain unavailable until after the international break, with City and Tottenham working together on his recovery.
Oyegoke has confirmed he is fit despite coming off at Deepdale, where cramp brought his involvement to an end. That is welcome news ahead of another away trip, particularly with Tendayi Darikwa already out long term.
The quick turnaround between Preston and Bristol City leaves little time for recovery, but Shaw indicated there were no fresh concerns from the weekend when asked how the players had come through.
“Yeah, (Oyegoke) in a really good place. Got through the game really well,” said Shaw.
“Tom Hamer close. Mason Melia will be out for a few weeks, so ourselves and Spurs will get that right for him.”
Hamer’s progress offers encouragement, although it isn’t expected that he’ll be available for the Bristol City fixture. For now, the update is that he is close, with no firm return date given, although John Helm has said after the international break on comms.
The news is less positive for Melia, whose opportunity to build momentum has been interrupted by injury. Shaw felt the forward had been showing promise before being sidelined, making the timing frustrating for both the player and the Imps.
“Probably be back after the international break now, which is disappointing. He showed some promise in the spell coming up to his injury.
“So disappointing for Mason, but we’ll get him patched up and ready for after the break.”
Darikwa’s long-term absence means Oyegoke’s availability is particularly useful as City prepare for Bristol City. His withdrawal on Saturday had prompted a question about his fitness, but the defender’s confirmation provides reassurance.
We therefore head into the game with a broadly encouraging update: Oyegoke is fit, Hamer is edging closer, and the squad came through Preston well, while Melia and Darikwa remain unavailable for the Imps.
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