Lincoln City boss Chris Sutton counts the missing men ahead of Grimsby clash
Injuries, illness and suspension could rob Lincoln City of almost their entire left-hand side for Saturday's crunch League Two relegation derby clash against Grimsby Town.
Manager Chris Sutton faces the biggest test of his fledgling managerial career with Eric Lichaj suspended for one more game, Aaron Brown unavailable for three matches following his dismissal against Cheltenham on Saturday, Sergio Torres (pictured above) out with an ankle injury sustained in the same game and Joe Heath a doubt through illness.
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Lincoln's Sergio Torres is helped back to the changing rooms by kit manager Matt Carmichael.
Khano Smith played as emergency left-back against the Robins following Brown's sending off but youngster Luca-Coleman Carr could be drafted in – or Sutton could change formation.
Adding to his concerns, central defender Adam Watts is struggling with a hamstring injury while right-back Paul Green is still some considerable time away from a first-team return.
The injury list makes for unhappy reading as Sutton attempts to haul the Imps away from the League Two drop zone.
"Torres was assessed yesterday and we don't know the details yet but it doesn't look great," admitted Sutton of his Argentinian loan capture, who sustained the injury after falling badly on his ankle in the 23rd minute of Saturday's game.
"It's a blow because he has that creativity which can open sides up.
"Khano Smith did OK when he came on and when he switched to left-back he showed good athleticism. He didn't do badly at all.
"Joe, unfortunately, became ill over the weekend which isn't great for us or for him.
"I'm not totally sure about what's wrong with him but he wasn't well at all over the weekend. We'll just see how he progresses.
"The situation is not ideal at all but we'll just have to deal with it and move on with what we've got."
For more on this story see today's Lincolnshire Echo.
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by Kiwipuskas, Timaru, NZ
Thursday, November 19 2009, 7:30PM
“Yes, Jonathan, they could have sold 70,000 tickets (but there's no ground the country big enough). Thanks for your support and, to your other point, ironically people here are getting fed up up with top class rugby because there's too much kicking!!!”
by Jonathan Ricketts, London
Thursday, November 19 2009, 9:27AM
“Quickest selling game out there as well wasn't it? Was hoping to follow New Zealand when over in South Africa next year so very glad they have made it. Could see NZ focusing more on footy after this, which if nothing else might give us more of a chance in the rugby.”
by Kiwipuskas, Timaru, NZ
Wednesday, November 18 2009, 7:40PM
“Thanks goodness for correspondents like Jonathan Ricketts and Dennis Johnson, who think before they put their fingers into gear. Any talk of getting rid of ANOTHER manager is ridiculous. I personally hoped John Pemberton would be appointed but I wasn't on the selection panel and wasn't privvy to Chris Sutton's presentation. The board were - and they made their choice. I'm quite happy with Sutton's progress so far. He's signed up Torres to a longer loan deal (dreadful luck about the subsequent injury) and it seems "Flash'' Gordon may be another good signing. Plus the loan players he's brought in from Villa and Fulham seem to be making big contributions. The poor bloke can't make any permanent signings until the transfer window opens so why don't we all get off his back and start wholeheaertedly SUPPORTING the team instead of whinging..
On Saturday NZ's All Whites qualified for the World Cup finals -- and it was a crowd of 35,500 (the biggest ever for a football match in NZ) who lifted the team in an unbelievable manner. They were singing and chanting from before the kickoff until long after the match was over. They never stopped. It was a sight I'd never thought I'd see in rugby-mad NZ. And guess what -- the team responded with a tremendous battling display. The keeper even saved a penalty that would have given Bahrain the advantage on away goals.
I don't expect 35,000 to turn up at Sincil Bank but at least those of you who can go (bit far for me) please lift the players not destroy them.”
by GrannyImp, Grantham
Tuesday, November 17 2009, 9:43PM
“I think the match v Grimsby will be the perfect opportunity for the Imps to try something new/different with the team. I predict a hefty win for the Imps with a good showing for the fellas given a chance!”
by Rasen Mariner, Market Rasen
Tuesday, November 17 2009, 8:08PM
“I must admit I do find the posts on here amusing. I think that we are all down in the dumps with our teams performances though and a bit of light hearted banter keeps everyone amused!”