Carlisle United boss: We'll rally around Joshua Kayode

The Carlisle United loan striker is set for about 12 weeks on the sidelines with a shoulder injury.

Kayode, who joined Carlisle on transfer deadline day, will undergo surgery next Tuesday.

And the popular frontman is displaying a good mindset as he prepares for the procedure followed by recovery and rehab, says Simpson.

“We only found out on Friday and I spoke him in the evening, after he’d seen the surgeon and been told he was having the surgery,” said Simpson.

“He seems ok. He’s obviously gutted, but he just wants to get it dealt with and move on and get himself back as quick as he possibly can.

“We’ll be there to help him. I’m sure Rotherham will be there to help him as well. We’ve just got to get it right and hopefully he’ll come back and have an effect in the second half of the season.”

Kayode’s injury blow comes just two games into his third loan spell at Brunton Park.

The challenge at Accrington that Paul Simpson says led to Kayode's injury (Image: Richard Parkes)

Simpson said it is likely he briefly dislocated his shoulder in a challenge on his first outing at Accrington Stanley in the EFL Trophy.

But the extent of the problem remained undiscovered until after United’s next game, when Kayode started in the 2-2 league draw at Stevenage.

The frontman is spending the early stages of his lay-off back with his Championship parent club.

Simpson now says it is up to United’s other strikers to fill the void.

Ryan Edmondson was back in the matchday squad for the 1-1 draw at Lincoln City, while Sean Maguire, Luke Plange, Joe Garner and Terry Ablade were all involved in the game.

“It’s a blow but one blow for JJ opens the door for Luke to get a game and he gets his first goal,” added Simpson.

“It opens the door for Ryan Edmondson to come back on the bench.

“The challenge now is for us to rally round JJ, make sure he’s in a good mental state and that he gets all the help and recovery he needs to get back.”