Zimbabwe international Tendayi Darikwa has signed a new contract with English Championship side Lincoln City despite being ruled out for the rest of the season through injury.

The 34-year-old right-back has penned an extension that will keep him at the club until June 2028 following surgery on a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

Darikwa sustained the injury during Lincoln’s Championship fixture against Portsmouth earlier this season.

Lincoln sporting director Jez George explained that the decision was made to allow the defender to concentrate on his recovery without worrying about his future at the club.

“This contract allows Tendayi to focus on his recovery and take the time required to get back playing without the stress of uncertainty next summer,” George told club media.

“No one knows where the club will be next season, or how the squad will have evolved, and what will be right for Tendayi moving forward, but this isn’t about Tendayi the footballer, it is about Tendayi the person, the husband, the dad.

“Tendayi remains the club captain and will still impact our results through his leadership off the pitch.”

Tendayi Darikwa signs new contract despite season-ending injury as Lincoln explain decision