Carlisle vs Southend United preview - Cumbrians still struggling

Posted Friday, August 22, 2014 by PA

Manager Graham Kavanagh still has a number of injury problems to contend with as Carlisle look for their first League Two win of the season at home to Southend.

The Cumbrians hope to have midfielder David Amoo available after he suffered a knock in the opening-day defeat to Luton but defender Troy Archibald-Henville will not resume training until next week.

Matty Robson will remain sidelined for another two months and Courtney Meppen-Walter faces a similar spell on the sidelines as he awaits an operation, with both having knee problems, while Mark Beck has yet to recover from a head injury and could be a fortnight away.

"It's a big blow to have these injuries so early in the season," said Kavanagh, who had 16-year-old Matty Douglas on the bench for Tuesday's goalless draw at Cheltenham. "The injury situation hasn't been kind to us but it's something we have to deal with."

Will Atkinson may return to Southend's side.

The former Bradford man has been absent since their Capital One Cup loss to Walsall, where he sustained an eye injury, and boss Phil Brown says he will be heavily examined before making a decision to include him in the squad.

Atkinson's absence has highlighted the club's shortage in midfield and Irishman Gary Deegan has been training with the club, although it's unlikely he'll be signed in time to play at Carlisle.

The Shrimpers have no new injury problems after beating Stevenage on Tuesday, but they will be without Michael Timlin for another couple of months after he dislocated his elbow during pre-season.