Carlisle United will face an Everton Under-23 side today in what is now their penultimate pre-season friendly.

The Blues take on opponents they will also face in the Papa John's Trophy in the new season.

The behind-closed-doors game against the Toffees' development side comes despite the cancellation of tomorrow's trip to Lancaster City due to injuries in the United ranks.

The Cumbrians have decided not to risk playing three games in the space of four days given there are a handful of absentees in their squad.

No details have yet been given on the injury situation beyond comments from assistant boss Gavin Skelton suggesting there were "a couple of injuries in the first team as well as the youth team".

It is believed that, with another friendly against FC Halifax Town looming on Friday night, United were concerned over how stretched the squad could be for an extra game during this week.

There has been no suggestion of serious injuries among the Blues ranks with the new season just 11 days away, though the picture may become clearer after today's behind-closed-doors game.

Lewis Alessandra, who missed Saturday's friendly with Blackpool, was pictured back in training yesterday.

But Morgan Feeney, who came off after 30 minutes against Blackpool, was not involved in the latest session,along with Danny Devine and Rod McDonald.

United are also missing the injured Keelan Leslie, with George Tanner and Magnus Norman having only recently returned to the squad.

Everton's senior squad are in Florida for a pre-season tour under new boss Rafa Benitez, with a younger side, overseen by David Unsworth, preparing to face the Blues.

Former United star Jarrad Branthwaite has not joined the Toffees' first team ranks in America as he works his way back towards full training after an ankle injury.

The 19-year-old, from Wigton, is not expected to be involved against his former club today.

The Carlisle game will be a step up for Everton's Under-23s, who have faced non-league sides Warrington Rylands, Guiseley and Bradford Park Avenue so far in pre-season.

Strike pair Tom Cannon and Lewis Dobbin have been regular goalscorers in their summer outings so far.

No information has been given on the time and venue of the game, though Everton's official website said the match is being played "tonight".