Carlisle United's Embleton faces four more weeks out with calf setback

Carlisle United midfielder Elliot Embleton has suffered a setback in his calf recovery and is approximately four weeks away from a return to action. Defender Bevis Mugabi has also seen a specialist regarding a persistent knee injury.

Elliot Embleton is now about four weeks from a return to action for Carlisle United after suffering a fresh setback with a calf injury. The midfielder has yet to feature this season for the 19th-placed National League side, who travel to third-placed AFC Fylde on Tuesday.

Head coach Rob Elliot confirmed the news after assessing his squad at Brunton Park. "Embo is probably another four weeks away, he's had another setback with his calf, as frustrating as that is for him and everyone," Elliot said. The club's injury list remains a significant concern as they look to improve on a run of two draws and three defeats from their last five matches, a sequence that has yielded only 2 points from a possible 15.

Defensive concerns persist

Central defender Bevis Mugabi, who has not played this season due to a knee problem carried over from last year, has also had to revisit a specialist this week. Elliot noted that the player has returned to a limited training programme but his situation is being monitored closely. "Bevis has had to go and see a specialist this week because he's had some issues," the manager added.

Armstrong and Mullarkey nearing return

There is more positive news regarding striker Luke Armstrong, who has been sidelined since pre-season with an ankle injury. He is now back on the grass and is likely two or three weeks away from rejoining full training. On-loan defender Toby Mullarkey, recovering from a calf injury, is also thought to be about three weeks from a return.

Other absentees remain

Midfielder Harvey Macadam continues to miss out with a hamstring injury, further depleting Elliot's options. The absence of several key figures, including Armstrong, adds to the load on other attacking players like Georgie Kelly, who has scored 3 goals in 7 appearances.

Carlisle's immediate focus is on halting their poor form, which includes a 5-2 home defeat to Woking last time out, when they face a tough trip to AFC Fylde. Supporters can check the full schedule on the club's fixtures page and view the full squad list here. The match at Mill Farm kicks off on Tuesday, 29 September.

Read the full report at News & Star