Carlisle United: mixed injury news from manager Paul Simpson

Manager Paul Simpson said the Blues are still waiting for a definitive assessment on the dead leg injury which has kept Back out of the last two games.

Simpson had hoped Back would be fit to return against Bristol Rovers this weekend but his involvement now looks unlikely.

“We’re waiting to get confirmation on Fin Back because it looks like it’s worse than the original assessments from our medical department but also [parent club] Nottingham Forest’s medical department,” said Simpson.

“We’re waiting for a definitive answer on Fin because it doesn’t seem to be settling down.

“We’ve tried to get him back out on the grass but it looks as if there’s more damage there than we originally thought.”

Better news on the fitness front sees Paul Huntington available after injury and illness.

And Simpson said it was a “boost” to have Joshua Kayode back at Brunton Park this week.

The loan striker, recovering from a shoulder injury, has rejoined the Blues after a spell with parent club Rotherham United.

“Everybody had a big boost with JJ walking back into the building,” said Simpson.

“Even though he’s not available to play, I think everybody got a lift just seeing him back. He’s got a real spring in his step and he’s started his grass work in terms of trying to get him recovered.

“We’re still looking at end of December [for him to be available again] but it’s a positive sign that’s he’s back in the building with us.”

Taylor Charters, left, could return next week while Jack Armer, right, is back from suspension this weekend (Image: Ben Holmes)

Jack Ellis is making progress in his recovery and it is hoped he could be back within the next two weeks, while Taylor Charters has a chance of being involved in next Tuesday’s Bristol Street Motors Trophy game against Harrogate Town, Simpson said.

"Taylor Charters has had another full week of training so we’ll just keep building him up with a view to him maybe being involved off the bench against Harrogate on Tuesday," said the manager.

“Jack Ellis has started to do some running now that his issue around his groin has settled down."

Experienced captain Huntington’s availability on Saturday is a plus, meanwhile.

“Hunts coming back is a real positive,” added Simpson.

“It was disappointing to not have him last week, whether he would have started or been on the bench.

“We want to have everybody available.

“We need more players – it was obvious last week, and the bench showed it.

“It’s not something I like doing, that we weren’t able to fill the bench. We should have enough to fill the bench this weekend.

“We’ve got a couple of little things – somebody else is ill this week, and a couple of niggly little injuries, but we’ve just got to assess it day to day.”

Jack Armer, meanwhile, returns from suspension this weekend, but Alfie McCalmont still has two games of a three-match ban to serve.