Michael Skubala has given a clear update on the fitness of three Bristol City players ahead of the club's league meeting with Lincoln City, confirming Elijah Adebayo is not yet ready to start but is available as a substitute.
Careful reintegration for striker Elijah Adebayo
Speaking to reporters, the Bristol City manager said the striker remains on a careful path back to full match fitness following a significant lay-off. Skubala stressed the need to manage minutes and to protect players returning from major injuries.
“There’s still a way to go to see him get more minutes or starting, but we can put him on for more minutes now, because he’s growing and still developing,” Skubala said. “But again, with all these types of players that are coming back from big injuries, you have to look after them. It’s the same with Elijah; even though he’s on the first-team bench, he’s actually working his way back physically.”
The message to supporters is pragmatic: while Adebayo may appear on the bench and could be introduced during the match, the manager does not consider him ready for a starting berth. That approach reflects a broader trend in elite sport of graduated returns for players recovering from long-term problems.
Defensive additions nearing matchday availability
Skubala also provided updates on two defensive players who have been absent from the squad or limited by fitness concerns. The manager said Luke McNally is "getting closer" to returning to action, while Brian De Keersmaecker is even nearer to breaking back into first-team contention.
“He’s probably a bit closer to the first team, because he’s not had a big injury,” Skubala said on De Keersmaecker.
The careful language suggests both defenders could be considered for selection in the immediate weeks ahead, with De Keersmaecker the likeliest to return sooner given a less severe recent injury history. Skubala underlined that the club is "adding to the group slowly, which is excellent," indicating a deliberate, measured approach to rebuilding squad depth.
- Elijah Adebayo – available for bench, not ready to start; managed minutes during return.
- Luke McNally – approaching fitness; closer to a return but not yet fully back.
- Brian De Keersmaecker – nearer to first-team action; not returning from a major injury.
For supporters planning to attend the fixture at Ashton Gate, the update provides a clearer picture of possible matchday options. Adebayo’s availability as a substitute offers a tactical alternative late in games, while the prospective returns of McNally and De Keersmaecker could strengthen defensive selection choices in coming weeks.
| Player | Current status | Manager's comment |
|---|---|---|
| Elijah Adebayo | Bench option, not ready to start | “We can put him on for more minutes now… he’s working his way back physically.” |
| Luke McNally | Getting closer to return | Approaching first-team fitness. |
| Brian De Keersmaecker | Even nearer to first-team | “He’s probably a bit closer… because he’s not had a big injury.” |
Skubala’s comments appear aimed at managing expectations while signalling progress within the squad. The staged reintroduction of players is likely to influence team selections and substitutions in the short term, and provides some encouragement that the club’s injury-hit group is stabilising.
Local supporters will be watching closely for final team news ahead of the Lincoln City match to see whether any of the three players are included in the matchday squad and, if so, how the manager chooses to use them during the game.
