Dylan McGeouch will miss Carlisle United’s trip to Northampton Town, but his calf injury is not serious, according to Paul Simpson.
A MRI revealed that the seasoned midfielder had sustained a slight muscle strain.
McGeouch, a former Celtic and Sunderland player, is expected to miss the majority of United’s last five games, but he hopes to return before the end of the season.
“We’re hoping he’ll be available for at least one game, but we’ll have to see,” manager Simpson said of the 31-year-old.
“He underwent a scan on his calf, and it proved out to be a very slight 1B strain, which came about because of the kick that he received [in the Peterborough United game on Good Friday].
“It could be two or three weeks, so he’s not available this weekend.
“It’s as nice a result from a strain as you could get. We just hope things calm down and we can get him back out there, since he was doing well for us and we’ll miss his influence.”
Carlisle United’s head physio is scheduled to quit Brunton Park.
Carlisle have no other new absentees as they prepare to travel to the Sixfields Stadium, where the Blues’ relegation might be sealed.
A defeat would guarantee the drop, whilst a draw or victory would only postpone the inevitable if other results went United’s way.
Simpson, meantime, claims Georgie Kelly will be After two strong cameo appearances against Peterborough and Lincoln City, he was considered for a starting spot in United’s last game.
The February deadline-day acquisition has just recently recovered to fitness after suffering from a calf injury since joining the Blues from Rotherham United.
“I am massively encouraged by what I’ve seen so far,” Simpson said of the former Bohemians star.
“I don’t think he’s anywhere near full fitness, so if he comes on from the start, I don’t expect him to play 90 minutes.
“But I’d be confident if I was to start him so we’ll just wait and see.
Meanwhile, loan striker Joshua Kayode returned to Carlisle from his parent club Rotherham on Thursday, as anticipated.
The frontman, who has been sidelined since September due to shoulder and calf problems, could return to the matchday squad next week.
“I’d like to think that if he’s not featured this weekend, he’ll play in one of the two games 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.”
