Lincoln City face Swansea City this weekend, with two defenders currently on the treatment table for the Imps.
Tom Hamer has had a prolonged spell on the sidelines, which has led to a passing of the baton at the back. Deji Elerewe has slotted in perfectly, Sonny Bradley has returned, and Andrei Coubis is battling with Ryley Towler for a starting spot.
Elder, who took the left side of a three for a couple of matches, came off as we lost 4-0 at Bournemouth, and hasn’t been seen since. He’s also been in and out of the side due to Adam Reach’s form at left back, but has made fine appearances, with a goal.
It doesn’t sound like either is due back before the weekend, although Chris Cohen suggested he might be around the squad.
“We’re hoping that he’ll be back in and around,” he said, when asked prior to the game.
“Obviously, you’ve always got to be super careful, and we just have to follow protocols with this stuff. It wasn’t a bad one, but at the same time, because of history, et cetera, the doctor recommends, and we stick by that and make sure that the players’ safety is obviously always our primary concern.
“But he’s fine. He’s out on the grass today, and it won’t be long until he’s back with us. And same with Tom Hamer, who’s really close to being back, and we welcome him back into the group.”
It was widely expected Tom would come back after the international break, but he returns to a different side from the one he dropped out of. He played in our two league defeats, but since then, we’ve gone five unbeaten to shoot up the table.
His injury isn’t as serious as reported on the platform FotMob, which errantly listed an issue he absolutely does not have. He’s expected back in contention soon, fighting for his place.
When asked about the players vying for a spot in the squad, Chris once again looked at the length of the season and vowed we’d need the whole squad.
“It’s such a long season. I think we made five changes on Tuesday night. We’ll make changes again on Saturday, I’m sure. Everyone is going to be needed. Now, that sometimes sounds like words. I’ve been that player when a manager’s been saying that, and I haven’t been the player that’s playing.
“But we just know how hard this season’s going to be for all of us, and we know that everyone’s going to be needed, and that’s why these three weeks are so important to get them into a really good place fitness-wise, so they are ready to contribute if they haven’t had the game time they’ve desired so far.”
The international break does throw up an opportunity for players to get some fitness back, but the squad will also be without a handful. Ivan Varfolomeev has been called up to international duty, and since the press conference finished, Cheo Ogbene has also received a call-up for Ireland.
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