Sonny Hilton is set to return for Carlisle United this weekend – but the Blues are facing up to THREE new injury absentees.

Manager Paul Simpson said two unnamed players will definitely miss the FA Cup first round clash with Tranmere Rovers while a third – Callum Guy – is touch and go.

It makes the return of Fulham loan man Hilton after an ankle injury all the more welcome.

Fin Back is also available after recovering from illness as Simpson weighs up his selection for the Brunton Park game.

“I really wanted to be able to say it’s the same team that’s going to go out against Tranmere this weekend – but there are going to be two changes which are enforced,” Simpson said.

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“I’m not prepared to say [who they are] at the moment, it will be obvious when the team sheet goes in.

“They’re not serious. There’s definitely two ruled out at the weekend that I hope will be available for next Tuesday [at Harrogate Town]. We’re just going to have to wait and see.

“One [of the injuries] was picked up last Saturday and one in training this week. We’ve just got to wait and see how they are come Monday morning.

“As for this game, I’ve just got to keep my fingers crossed overnight that it’s two enforced changes and not three.

“Callum has done some work towards the end of this week. He’s one who could make it three. We’ve just got to see how he’s reacted.

“I’m just going to see how he responds to the work he’s done and whether he’s ok for being involved in the game.”

Midfielder Guy came off in the second half of last weekend’s league game at Tranmere with a groin problem.

Back missed that game with a virus while Hilton has been out since late September, but both are in the reckoning this weekend.

“Fin’s been fine,” said Simpson. “He came back in on Tuesday and was still a little bit grey, but he’s trained the rest of the week and he’s fine.

“I would have no hesitations in involving him, and the same with Sonny Hilton as well.

“Although he hasn’t had any match minutes since Newport when he twisted his ankle, he’s had two good weeks of training.

“Again, it’s a needs must situation, he’s going to come into the group and we’ll see from there.”

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Simpson has Jordan Gibson back from a one-match ban while Jon Mellish, despite being on five bookings, can play this weekend.

Suspension rules mean the ban arising from his five yellow cards must be served in the league, so he will miss next Tuesday’s trip to Harrogate Town instead.

But Ryan Edmondson is still out this weekend, as red cards apply across all competitions.

Simpson confirmed all United’s loan players – Back, Hilton, Duncan Idehen, Jack Stretton and the sidelined Ben Barclay – have permission to play for United in the cup.

He also said other players are due to return soon.

“Jamie Devitt has joined in training today, we’re hoping he’ll have a week and a half then be involved in the county cup game against Bransty [on November 15],” Simpson said.

“Ben Barclay we’re hoping will join in training next week. Joel Senior’s going to hopefully join in full training next week.

“We’re starting to get closer but it just seems as though you have a really good performance and result, then you get set back with a few injuries.

“But anybody who has come in because of injuries have done really well, so fingers crossed that’s what happens again this weekend.”