Michael Skubala Outlines Injury Situation Ahead of Grimsby Town Clash

Michael Skubala has admitted that Saturday’s goal heroes, Freddie Draper and Jovon Makama, will miss tomorrow’s game against the Codheads at Blundell Park.

City go into the game at severe risk of missing out on group stage qualification in the trophy, which would be the first time since the 2019/20 season. With the prize money on offer and local pride, it is a ‘must-win’ game in the very loosest sense of the word.

However, supporters will be eager to see Michael put his cup hoodoo to bed – in three cup ties he has managed; we’ve been beaten three times, all by lower-league opposition. Tomorrow night, City fans want to see a win.

Over the last couple of seasons, the Trophy has been a chance to see the likes of Jovon and Freddie in action, but their progression into first-team players makes that less likely. That’s not the only reason, as Michael told BBC Radio Lincolnshire’s Rob Makepeace.

“Jovan is struggling with a groin issue, so he’ll miss tomorrow,” Michael said. “We’ll see how that develops over the next couple of weeks. As for Freddie, we’re still waiting for the medical team to report on him. We’ve also got a few knocks coming in, so there are some tired legs and bodies. We need to assess all of that before tomorrow.”