Sorely-missed midfielder Callum Guy is making good progress on the long road to recovery from injury, Paul Simpson says.
The Carlisle United midfielder is working his way back from an anterior cruciate knee ligament injury.
Guy has been out since November after suffering the injury in the Blues’ FA Cup first round defeat at Leyton Orient.
A return to action early in the 2024/25 campaign appears the target, with manager Simpson praising 27-year-old Guy’s approach to his rehabilitation work.
“He’s doing really well,” said Simpson.
“He’s really bought into the recovery work he’s got to do, and he’s looking in good shape.
“Although we’re months away, it’ll be nice to see him getting back on the grass in a few months time, and it’ll certainly be great to see him back available, probably August time next season," the manager added to BBC Radio Cumbria.
Guy’s absence has been a blow to the Cumbrians amid their poor campaign in League One.
The hard-working midfielder’s injury came at a time United were fourth bottom of the table, and level on points with the team in 19th.
Since then they have won just two of their subsequent 21 league games, losing 17 and drawing three.
Guy, thankfully, does not need to worry about his contract status as he works his way back to fitness, with the midfielder’s current deal running until the summer of 2025, with an option.
His absence, and the January sale of Owen Moxon, has seen United’s midfield reshaped over recent months, with Josh Vela and Harrison Neal stepping in as January signings.
Vela is now out with a knee injury while Dylan McGeouch, who joined the Blues last summer, is now getting a run in the side after a spell out of favour.
“Obviously it was a frustrating time to be out the squad, but I just kept myself right, kept myself training,” said McGeouch in a club interview.
“To be fair to the manager, he brought it up with the lads about keeping professional and keeping myself right and the chances came to get back into the squad.
“I’ve enjoyed it, results aside – nobody likes losing games. As a personal view, it’s nice to be back out there playing.
“I think there's a lot more to come from myself, but hopefully that comes by playing more games.”
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