City slumped out of the EFL Trophy last night, with striker James Collins limping off after just 15 minutes.
However, another key Imps figure didn’t make the squad: Ben House was spotted on crutches in the fan zone prior to the game.
The rumours swirled during the game of him also having some sort of cast on his leg, and after the 2-0 defeat against Huddersfield, Michael Skubala confirmed our fears.
“He’s took a little bit of an injury as well,” he said. “We need to have a look at that because he came off Saturday and he was fine but then he’s got a bit of a swelling
“We need to go and assess what that is as well, so that’s why he wasn’t involved tonight.”
House has established himself as one of our key players again this season, with constant energy across the front line, and while his goals return may be modest, he is one of only two or three for whom there is no like-for-like replacement.
Agonisingly, he was also the player I singled out as being one we’d really miss should he pick up an injury, which is typical of the Stacey West curse.
Some others also missed out, with Conor McGrandles, Adam Reach and Justin Obikwu notable absences. There isn’t quite as much to worry about there, as Michael explained.
“A couple of other players (were) rested but it’s League One football we have to keep going Saturday and Tuesday. We’ve got a break this Saturday, which actually I think is good for us.”
The Imps are back in action on Tuesday night, when Barnsley come to the Bank. We’ll be hunting our first home win over the Tykes since 1980, but the question is, will we do it with Ben House and/or James Collins?
In the case of House, it would appear to be a long shot if he were, as reported, on crutches and heavily strapped up.