Steve Evans sweating on Zander Diamond and Danny Rose fitness for Carlisle clash

Posted Sunday, December 31, 2017 by PA

Zander Diamond and Danny Rose will be assessed before Mansfield's clash against Carlisle after both were forced off in the first half of their win over Wycombe.

Captain Diamond came off after taking a heavy blow to the face from the ball, while striker Rose took a knock to his pelvis, but boss Steve Evans was hopeful neither problem was serious.

Goalkepper Conrad Logan, defender Hayden White and left-back Johnny Hunt were all unfit to start against Wycombe as a virus swept through the Stags camp and their wellness will also have to be examined.

Midfielder Joel Byrom is out with a groin injury.

Carlisle boss Keith Curle revealed he would make changes following the 1-0 loss to Coventry.

The Cumbrians were unchanged for the fourth consecutive game on Saturday having won their last three but were downed by a Marc McNulty goal and Curle admitted it was time to freshen things up.

"This is where we need to use the squad because it is a quick turnaround of fixtures," he said. "There's plenty of food for thought and there will be changes simply because of the shortness of the rest period."

Midfielder Jason Kennedy remains a long-term absentee pending a second operation on his pelvic injury in the new year.