Carlisle United’s loan goalkeeper Lukas Jensen is set for a spell on the sidelines with a wrist injury.

Manager Keith Millen revealed the Burnley loanee needs an operation.

The big Dane, who has made four appearances this season, has been absent from United’s squad for their last two games.

And boss Millen last night confirmed Jensen was likely to be unavailable for some time.

“We’re really disappointed about that one,” United’s manager said.

“He [Jensen] made a save in training and he’s been really unfortunate.

“I don’t know the exact extent but he’s done some damage to his wrist.

“He needs surgery on it so he’ll be out for a while, and I’m not really sure of the timescale.

“That’s really disappointing because he’s a great lad. We’ve kept in touch with Burnley, he’s their player, and hopefully his surgery will go well. I spoke to him today, and he’s keen to get back playing.”

Jensen, who is on a season-long loan is the second of United’s senior keeper to be sidelined this season.

Magnus Norman remains out of action, with the experienced Mark Howard having taken the No1 position after joining last month.

Promising teenagers Gabe Breeze and Scott Simons are also available, with the latter on the bench at Morecambe in the Papa John’s Trophy last night and also for Saturday’s FA Cup win over Horsham.

Millen would not be drawn on whether he could seek emergency help in the market.

“The rules are that I can only bring someone in if Mark has a problem,” he said.

“We’ll have to look after him. We’ve been really pleased with him, and Magnus is probably four weeks away still.

“But the great thing is that when someone is out it gives others an opportunity, and it’s given me the opportunity to look at two very good young keepers.

“One of them has been on the bench with the first team and that’s a great experience for him.

“Lukas and his misfortune is the opportunity for these young lads to experience the first team environment.”

Of United’s outfielders, Brennan Dickenson again missed the Morecambe game but Millen said there was never any prospect of him being risked.

He is recovering from a dead leg that he suffered in Millen’s first game in charge at Northampton.

Dickenson will be further assessed ahead of this weekend’s clash with Barrow.

“We thought he was going to be ok for Saturday [against Horsham] but it’s just not quite cleared up yet,” Millen said.

“There was no need to take a risk with him. I’ll have to see how he is Thursday.”