James Collins will miss the rest of the season after being told he requires surgery on the knee injury he suffered last week.
The forward, who has made 25 competitive appearances for the Imps this season, ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament in our Vertu Trophy tie against Huddersfield Town. He will have surgery within the next 7-10 days.
Having also seen a specialist on Monday, Ben House’s knee injury, which is a torn lateral collateral ligament sustained against Port Vale, does not require surgery but his rehab time is approximately eight weeks.
Head coach Michael Skubala said, "There's no getting away from the fact that this is a huge blow for James. He is an important player for us, both on the pitch and in how he conducts himself around the training ground. James is a massive presence within the group, sets standards every day, is a hugely positive influence and a highly respected character. We will provide him with all the support that we can to help his recovery over the coming months.
“To get this news, and also losing Ben for the next eight weeks, is a massive double blow, but we know that injuries are part of football, and we have depth in the squad that can cope with the demanding upcoming schedule. We have several hugely talented centre forwards, and this is now a big opportunity for Rob Street, Freddie Draper, Justin Obikwu and Frankie Okoronkwo. We also know that our fans will continue to get behind the team, home and away, and make the LNER Stadium a tough place to come for visiting teams as they have all season.
“But most importantly, we will rally around James and show him our support as a club, staff, squad and fanbase.”
With Barnsley visiting the LNER Stadium on Tuesday evening, City are also missing Adam Jackson (hernia) and Oscar Thorn (ankle), who are both recovering from successful surgeries, while Fin Barbrook is awaiting the result of a scan on an ankle injury.