Tottenham Hotspur loanee Mason Melia is expected to return to work on the grass within the next week or 10 days as he continues his recovery from a thigh injury.
Lincoln City joint head coach Tom Shaw has provided an encouraging update on the striker, whose early progress at Sincil Bank was interrupted by the setback. Melia suffered the injury in training in September, with an initial absence of four to six weeks reported at the time. He had made two Championship appearances from the bench and started Lincoln’s Carabao Cup victory over Blackpool before being sidelined.
The Republic of Ireland international joined the Imps on loan this summer, having moved to Tottenham from St Patrick’s Athletic in January. Now 19, he arrived with considerable senior experience already behind him, scoring 21 goals in 76 league appearances for the Irish club.
Melia Making Progress Towards Return
Speaking ahead of Lincoln’s meeting with West Ham United, Shaw explained that Melia’s recovery has gathered pace. However, the next target is a return to the grass, with no date yet confirmed for him to resume playing matches.
“Mason’s recovering well. He’s accelerated over the last few weeks, and he’ll be back out on the grass in the next week or 10 days, I believe. That’s the information.”
The injury has limited Melia’s opportunity to establish himself in Lincoln’s attack, but Shaw revealed that he has continued learning while completing his rehabilitation. Alongside his gym work, the forward has remained involved in meetings as the coaching staff prepare their attacking plans.
“He’s been working hard in the gym, been in all the meetings, all the attacking meetings, taking on loads of information. He’s raring to go for when he’s available.”
Lincoln are preparing to host West Ham on Wednesday after suffering a 3-0 defeat at Sheffield United on Saturday. Shaw also confirmed that defender Andrei Coubiș is available again, while Reeco Hackett is completing his concussion protocol and Ethan Wheatley faces a late fitness decision because of an ankle problem.
For Melia, the immediate priority is completing the next stage of his recovery before trying to build on those early appearances. Shaw’s update offers encouragement that his loan spell can soon begin moving forward again, although a return to competitive action will depend on his progress once he is back on the grass.
