Paul Simpson is hoping for a quick return for Ben Barclay after an ankle injury ruled him out of Carlisle United’s defeat at Bristol Rovers.

The defender missed the 2-1 setback at the Memorial Stadium after picking up a knock in the previous game against Cambridge United.

The 27-year-old had a scan but that has shown no serious damage, Simpson said.

Barclay will now be assessed ahead of Carlisle’s trip to Burton Albion on Tuesday night although a return next Saturday against Reading appears more likely.

“The scan came back clear and just showed that there was some sort of previous damage there,” said United manager Simpson.

“He got a whack on his ankle last weekend so he had some swelling there which meant he wasn’t fit [for Saturday].

“We’re hopeful he’ll join training this week but we’ll just have to see how he goes.

“We’re hopeful that it won't be long. [He will] probably not [be fit for] Tuesday but maybe for the weekend.”

News and Star: Paul Simpson will have his squad in for training todayPaul Simpson will have his squad in for training today (Image: Richard Parkes)

Simpson, meanwhile, has his players in for training today in preparation for Tuesday’s rearranged game at Burton.

“I feel as though getting them in [today] is the right thing to do,” said Simpson.

“After a long journey back, which we need[ed] to get out of our system, we can then start preparations properly on Monday so we’re ready for Burton.

“That’s the only thing we can do now. We’ve just got to keep trying to do things properly and try and gain some respect again in the way we go about it.”

Josh Emmanuel remains on the comeback trail after injury but Tuesday is set to come too soon for the right-sided defender.