Injured Carlisle United midfielder Jason Kennedy is facing another year on the sidelines, the club have today revealed.

The 31-year-old is expected to undergo a second operation on his pelvis in late January.

United say the recovery period "is expected to take approximately 12 months".

That means the midfielder is unlikely to be seen again in a blue shirt until 2019.

It is a further blow to the Blues and to Kennedy, who has been a hugely popular and influential figure at Brunton Park since joining in 2015.

The former Rochdale and Bradford man underwent an initial operation on his pelvis in London last month.

"He is currently carrying out remedial and recovery work in the gym," United said in a statement.

"He is due to see his surgeon again at the beginning of January, where we expect it to be confirmed that he will require a much more significant and complex second procedure.

"This procedure should be scheduled for later that same month.

"Unfortunately, due to the nature of the procedure, the recovery period is much longer and is expected to take approximately 12 months.

"The first few months of his recovery will be based at home to provide him with an optimal environment within which to heal."

The club added: "Both Jason and his family would appreciate their privacy to enjoy Christmas and then, following the surgery, to allow them to concentrate on his recovery and rehabilitation."

Kennedy, who is under contract until the end of next season, has only featured in eight games this term, last appearing against Wycombe on October 17 before requiring a further spell on the sidelines.

Manager Keith Curle last weekend confirmed he would miss the rest of this season and the beginning of next.