‘Keep Calm” – Michael Skubala on Emerging Injury Issues Ahead of Charlton
The Stacey West Podcast is going to stop saying how exciting it is when we have a full squad to select from because every time we do, players start dropping like flies.
Last week it was Jack Burroughs, and ahead of Saturday’s fixture, it was Freddie Draper and Ethan Hamilton. Now we can add a fourth name to the list of players missing out through injury – Adam Jackson. He took a Jayden Stockley elbow to the face during Saturday’s encounter, which went unpunished, and now has two black eyes and a broken nose. When asked how Jacko was, Michael Skubala confirmed he was unlikely to play this week.
“(He’s) not too good; broken nose,” said the Imps head coach. “So, two massive black eyes and a bit worse for wear. He’s going to struggle for this game. We’ll see how long that’s out for, really.”
Jacko is currently one of two or three players likely to be in the mix for the Player of the Season award, and Michael confessed he has been a big player, but his absence is one we should be able to cover.
“Yeah, a big player, been doing really well. But, I always say that’s why we need the competition for places. Paudie did well the other day coming on. Alex Mitchell’s now back, who’s been doing well, and TJ did brilliantly when he came on as well.”
As for Ethan Hamilton and Freddie Draper, there’s no more news on those, and it’s seemingly unlikely we’ll see Ethan back, possibly the same for Freddie.
“There’s no change with Ethan at the minute. We’ll see how that goes. Freddie, we’re not sure yet whether he’s going to make it tomorrow or not. He’s having more of a look-over in a fitness test today. Let’s wait and see on Freddie.”
Of course, it is a big change from a couple of weeks ago. The squad was looking fleshed out and Michael had difficult decisions to make, whereas for tomorrow’s trip to the Valley, it feels like we’re back to square pegs in round holes, at least in some areas of the field.
“Football changes quickly,” mused Michael. “My philosophy on that has always been to keep calm and keep to your processes because we know that players put their bodies on the line all the time and push themselves.
“It’s trying to manage the long-term injuries making sure we don’t make any decisions that make them any worse, but at the same time, you know that you’re going to lose people through injury and other situations.”
Another player who will not feature is loanee Conor McGrandles. He joined us on loan from Charlton two weeks ago and has since appeared twice, starting on Saturday. He’ll sit out of this encounter, as we’re facing his parent club.
