Dylan McGeouch is out of Carlisle United’s trip to Northampton Town but his calf injury is not serious, Paul Simpson has confirmed.
The experienced midfielder has suffered a mild strain of the muscle, a scan has confirmed.
Former Celtic and Sunderland man McGeouch is likely to miss the majority of United’s remaining five games but it is hoped he will feature before the end of the campaign.
“We’re hoping he may be available for at least one game but we’ll wait and see,” said manager Simpson of the 31-year-old.
“He had a scan on his calf, and it’s turned out it’s a very mild 1B strain, which came about because of the kick that he got [in the Peterborough United game on Good Friday].
“It’s possible it will be two or three weeks, so he’s not available this weekend.
“It’s as good a result from a strain as you could have. We’ve just got to hope that it settles down and we can get him back out there, because he was at a point where he was doing well for us, and we’ll miss that kind of influence.”
There are no other fresh absentees as Carlisle prepare for the trip to the Sixfields Stadium where the Blues could have relegation confirmed.
A defeat would ensure the drop while a draw or victory would only delay things if results elsewhere are in United’s favour.
Simpson, meanwhile, says Georgie Kelly will be considered for a start during United’s run-in after two encouraging cameo performances against Peterborough and Lincoln City.
The February deadline-day signing has only just returned to fitness after suffering from a calf problem since he joined the Blues from Rotherham United.
“I am massively encouraged by what I’ve seen so far,” said Simpson of the ex-Bohemians favourite.
“I still don’t think he’s anywhere near full fitness, so if he is on from the start I wouldn’t expect him to get 90 minutes.
“But I’d be confident if I was to start him so we’ll just wait and see.”
Loan striker Joshua Kayode, meanwhile, returned to Carlisle from parent club Rotherham on Thursday as planned.
The frontman, sidelined since September with shoulder and calf injuries, could be in the matchday squad next week.
“I would like to think if he’s not involved at the weekend then hopefully he will be in one of the two next week, whether it’s Tuesday [at Cheltenham Town] or Saturday [at home to Blackpool].
“It will just be nice to have him available as an option.”
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