Carlisle v Coventry preview

admin

The Cumbrians could include new teenage loan signing Adam Campbell in their squad for the home game this weekend.

The 18-year-old striker/winger joined the club for an initial month on Thursday and should make his debut.

Boss Greg Abbott could also be boosted by the return of central defender Sean O’Hanlon, who has yet to appear for the Cumbrians this season due to a knee injury and left-back Paul Black, on loan from Mansfield, could make his first start for the club.

But striker Lee Miller sits out the final game of his three-match ban and left-back/winger Matty Robson is still struggling with a back problem.

The Sky Blues will assess goalkeeper Joe Murphy and midfielder Adam Barton ahead of their trip to the North West.

Murphy sustained a foot/ankle injury in the Capital One Cup defeat at Leyton Orient and did not train before playing in last Sunday’s thrilling 5-4 victory over Bristol City.

He has again struggled to train this week and will be checked over as late as possible before the game.

Barton, meanwhile, withdrew from training with a slight knee problem on Thursday but it is hoped he will be okay for the weekend as captain Carl Baker serves the second game of his three-match suspension.

Carlisle v Coventry preview

admin

Carlisle boss Greg Abbott is hoping Chris Chantler can shake off an ankle injury in time to return against the Sky Blues.

Former Manchester City utility man Chantler missed last weekend’s heavy defeat at Swindon with winger Matty Robson switching to left-back in his absence.

Abbott is also waiting on central defender Mike Edwards, who was forced out of the action early on last week due to a hamstring injury and replaced by Peter Murphy.

Murphy will continue alongside Danny Livesey at the heart of defence if Edwards fails to make it.

Skipper Paul Thirlwell remains doubtful with the calf trouble that has dogged him this season. The midfielder missed all of November and last appeared for the Cumbrians on Boxing Day.

Striker Danny Cadamarteri is another player struggling with injury in recent weeks and he has missed the last four games due to a calf injury.

James Bailey will be assessed ahead of Coventry’s trip to the Cumbrians.

The midfielder limped off shortly after half-time in Thursday night’s epic Johnstone’s Paint Trophy victory over Preston having been on the end of a tough tackle.

Manager Mark Robins will now monitor the on-loan Derby man, with Conor Thomas on standby to replace him at Brunton Park.

Otherwise, Robins is likely to have close to a fully-fit squad for the clash.

John Fleck came in for Franck Moussa against North End in what was the only change from last weekend’s FA Cup defeat at Tottenham, with Moussa in contention to regain his starting spot having been dropped to the bench.

Long-term absentees David Bell (toe) and Callum Ball (foot) could find themselves in the matchday 18 as they move closer to full fitness.