Last updated at 12:12, Thursday, 04 October 2012

JP McGovern has given Carlisle United boss Greg Abbott an injury headache after suffering a reaction to his summer hernia operation.

Jon-Paul McGovern

The experienced winger has been ruled out of this Saturday’s trip to Walsall.

United are trying to get to the bottom of the problem but are currently unable to confirm how long McGovern will be sidelined. McGovern is being assessed by physio Neil Dalton after suffering a build-up of fluid in the affected area.

The Blues confirmed to News & Star Sport that the problem was related to the double hernia surgery the Scot underwent in the summer.

It should be clearer by the end of the week whether McGovern will need to see a specialist or whether the problem can be resolved more quickly.

The 31-year-old has been a regular in United’s team this season despite only just returning to fitness in time for the start of the campaign, following his operation.

He had been ruled out of Tuesday’s washed-out game at Bury and manager Abbott will now be looking at his options for this Saturday’s trip to the Banks’s Stadium.

McGovern’s absence could open the door for youngster Dave Symington to make his full debut on the right wing.

Loanee Kallum Higginbotham will be another contender for his first league start for the Cumbrians.

But if the manager opts for a tactical change he could add Liam Noble or Brad Potts as an extra central midfielder.

The United boss is now without the trio of Scottish attacking players who linked up superbly during the previous campaign.

Lee Miller and Rory Loy remain on the sidelines as they continue their recoveries from injury.

Walsall boss Dean Smith, meanwhile, is confident his side will bounce back against the Blues after their 2-1 defeat to Leyton Orient.

The setback checked the Saddlers’ strong start to the season but manager Smith remains confident.

“I’m proud of the players and what they are giving me at the moment,” he said. “I can almost accept defeats when we play like that.

“I was pleased with the response when we went two goals down and now we turn our attention to bouncing back in the right way on Saturday.

“After each of our defeats so far we have responded the right way in the next game and I expect the same against Carlisle this weekend.”

First published at 11:26, Thursday, 04 October 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk