Mason Melia has had a torrid time since joining Lincoln City from Tottenham Hotspur, having suffered an injury which has restricted him to just four outings.
In recent weeks, Melia hasn’t featured in the matchday squad, with his injury originally ruling him out until after the early international break. As we approach another hiatus in Championship action, Melia has still not featured.
Speaking to press today, head coach Chris Cohen offered a little insight into the situation, with his return now not expected until after the November break.
“He and Ethan Wheatley have been really unfortunate,” Chris said. ”
They probably didn’t get the game time they’d wanted at the start, and then both picked up knocks that have kept them out.”
Ethan Wheatley has seen even less action, making just one appearance since his switch from Manchester United, and he picked up an injury in the days before our trip to Sheffield United. It seems that while both youngsters still figure in Chris and Tom Shaw’s plans, we shouldn’t expect to see them before Wrexham’s visit on November 21st.
“They’re both closing in on a return over the next few weeks, definitely by the time we come back from the international break, hopefully before that. Mason will be with us soon, and we look forward to having him back again.
“The more competition for places for me and Tom to decide the best selection for each game, the better. It’s important for us, so hopefully we’ll get them both back really quickly.”
Competition for places is certainly impressive, with fellow loanee Tanto Olaofe not getting any game time since Cheo Ogbene arrived. He is fit, but last took to the field during our 0-0 draw against Blackburn, which only serves to highlight the difficulty facing Melia and wheatley when they do return to action.
Melia has started once for City, away at Blackpool in the League Cup, while Wheatley’s only appearance came for just five minutes of the same fixture, as he replaced Olaofe. With both players on loan from top-flight clubs, those ten matches between Wrexham and New Year’s Day could be crucial in deciding whether they remain at Sincil Bank.
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