January 14, 2022 11.25 am This story is over 25 months old

Injury nightmare for Montsma as Imps defender out for rest of season

He’s suffering serious ligament damage

By Local Democracy Reporter

Lincoln City’s defensive injury woes have been dealt the ultimate blow, with Dutch centre back Lewis Montsma suffering serious ligament damage that will rule him out for at least nine months.

Montsma, 23, joins defenders Adam Jackson and Joe Walsh on the treatment table for the Imps, meaning TJ Eyoma is the only out and out centre half available for selection for Michael Appleton, while recently recalled defender Max Melbourne has played there before for Lincoln this season.

Montsma has suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage, which is perhaps the worst a footballer can suffer, and it is expected to rule Lewis Montsma out until October at the very earliest. It is the same type of injury that ruled out Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk for almost a year.

Full back Regan Poole has put in a string of very impressive displays at the heart of defence to cope with the injury problems, while midfielder Ted Bishop has deputised in Poole’s right back position as the Imps scramble to name a squad each week.

The news surely means the club’s hand will be forced in the January transfer window, for not just one centre back but perhaps two before the deadline at the end of the month.

Michael Appleton has addressed the issues up front for Lincoln this month, signing Swansea pair Liam Cullen and Morgan Whittaker on loan until the end of the season after Dan Nlundulu was recalled by parent club Southampton and sent back out on loan to fellow League One side Cheltenham Town.

The Imps will now prepare to face Cambridge United at the LNER Stadium on Saturday, hoping to make it three wins from three after impressive victories against promotion chasers Oxford United and Sunderland in the last week.