Lincoln City have a fully fit squad available for their Championship opener against Middlesbrough this Saturday. Manager Chris Cohen confirmed the positive injury news in a report published by The Stacey West on Tuesday, stating there are no fresh fitness worries ahead of the season's first fixture.
Tom Bayliss and Sonny Bradley, who both missed last week's final pre-season preparations, are now back in training and ready for selection. This gives Cohen a full complement of players as he finalises his plans for the trip to the Riverside Stadium. The Imps will be looking to start their second-tier campaign on a positive note after a historic promotion last season.
Who is available for Lincoln City?
Chris Cohen has his entire first-team squad at his disposal. Midfielder Tom Bayliss and defender Sonny Bradley have recovered from minor issues that kept them out of action recently. Their return is timely, adding depth and experience to the core group. The squad's current fitness is a significant boost, allowing for tactical flexibility from the first whistle of the new season.
You can view the complete player roster and their profiles on our dedicated squad page. The team's average age is 26, blending youthful energy with seasoned professionals who have extensive Football League experience. This balance will be tested immediately in one of Europe's most competitive leagues.
What does this mean for the starting lineup?
With no injury absences, Cohen faces welcome selection dilemmas. The availability of Bayliss, a creative force in midfield, and Bradley, a commanding presence in defence, provides genuine options. Cohen may opt for a settled side that finished the previous season strongly, or he could integrate new signings from the summer window. The manager's first team sheet of the Championship era will reveal his initial approach.
Pre-season form and tactical match-ups against a strong Middlesbrough side will influence his decisions. The full fixture list for the 2026-27 campaign, including this opening match, is available on our fixtures page. A positive result on the road would provide an early platform for the season ahead.
How does squad health compare to last season?
Starting the season with a fully fit squad is a marked improvement from some previous campaigns where early-season injuries disrupted momentum. Last season, Lincoln City utilised 28 different players in all competitions, demonstrating the need for a deep and healthy roster. Maintaining this level of fitness will be a continuous focus for the medical and performance staff throughout the gruelling 46-game Championship schedule.
The club's injury record and latest updates are tracked on our injuries hub. A clean bill of health for the opener is the ideal foundation. It allows the team to build cohesion and rhythm from the very first match, rather than having to compensate for key absences.
What are the expectations for the opening match?
Facing Middlesbrough away represents a tough introduction to Championship football. Aitor Karanka's side are expected to be among the promotion contenders. For Lincoln City, the immediate objective will be to be competitive and organised, turning their robust fitness into a physical and tactical asset on the pitch. The match is a benchmark, showing exactly what level is required week-in, week-out in this division.
Fans can follow the team's progress in the league table on our standings page as the season unfolds. A strong, injury-free start is crucial for building confidence and accumulating points early, setting the tone for Lincoln City's historic return to the second tier.
