By Jon Colman

Last updated 13:45, Tuesday, 02 December 2008

Carlisle United midfielder Chris Lumsdon is facing another spell on the sidelines after suffering an ankle injury in yesterday’s reserve outing.

Chris Lumsdon

Lumsdon, who has just returned to action after a serious back injury which kept him out for four months, had to be helped off the pitch in the closing stages of the second string’s 3-2 win over Accrington at Brunton Park.

The former Sunderland and Barnsley man will have the injury assessed today by physio Neil Dalton and is desperately hoping he has not damaged ankle ligaments, which would put him out for several more weeks.

Lumsdon, 28, was visibly upset as he left the pitch five minutes from time, after the latest in a series of games in which he had planned to build up his match-fitness ahead of a return to first-team action. The schemer’s injury overshadowed a United victory which included fit-again defender Peter Murphy’s successful return to action after a three-month absence.

On Lumsdon, reserve team coach Eric Kinder said: “It looks like he has gone over on his ankle and we hope he has just twisted it.

“It is a blow but we won’t know the extent of it until Dolly can assess it.

“He knew straight away he had done something and put his arm up. His ankle was in an ice bucket after the game. Hopefully he will be fine for the weekend but I wouldn’t like to say what his chances are.”

Lumsdon made a late substitute appearance for the first team in Saturday’s FA Cup win at Grays – his first competitive outing since May’s play-off defeat to Leeds.

He was expected come firmly into the reckoning for United’s December fixtures and caretaker boss Greg Abbott will hope today’s news on the popular midfielder is positive.

Murphy’s return – the long-serving centre-half got through an hour against Stanley – was a welcome boost for Abbott.

Kinder said: “Murph got through it fine. He has trained extremely hard and he is desperate to get back, so that is a good plus.”

Scott Dobie, back from an ankle injury, completed 90 minutes while Michael Bridges played 80 and was on target from the penalty spot to add to goals from Grant Smith and Czech trialist Jakub Hottek.

Winger Simon Hackney, meanwhile, is struggling to be fit for Wednesday’s second round cup clash with Crewe, while Abbott will today make a last-ditch attempt to persuade Newcastle to allow on-loan ‘keeper Tim Krul to play in the tie.

New signing Chris Birchall has not been registered in time but Sunderland loan left-back Michael Liddle is available.