Double boost for Carlisle United ahead of Blackpool clash

Striker Joe Garner has recovered from injury – and Jack Armer is not suspended after all.

Garner is available for the clash at Bloomfield Road despite being taken to hospital with a serious gash to his leg at Reading last Tuesday.

The 35-year-old forward resumed full training today and is ready to lead United’s attack on Saturday.

“It was last Tuesday when he did it, he was off his feet until the Monday [afterwards], but he’s done all of the physical load,” said Simpson.

“He didn’t join in with the group [initially] but he’s worked with the rehab group, so he’s done all of the distances and the high intensity [work] and the sprinting that he needed.

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“He got back into the football work on the Tuesday and he’s joined in full training today with us.

“Everybody who knows Joe Garner knows he ain’t gonna be kept out by a few stitches in his shin.”

Simpson admitted he’s delighted to have the 35-year-old available to take on Neil Critchley’s Seasiders this weekend.

“He’s a focal point for our attack and he causes problems,” added the manager.

“We don’t know what would have happened [had he not been injured in the 5-1 defeat at Reading], but it certainly wasn’t part of our plan for him to go off early, so it was a big blow.”

Simpson, speaking after the Reading game, had said Armer was set to be suspended after reaching the yellow card threshold.

But the Blues boss now says that is not the case and the defender can face Blackpool.

“It was my mistake – I made a mistake with it and I don’t really know why or how that happened,” said Simpson.

“I think it was the emotion, the anger, the disappointment of Reading.

“I got confused – he is available, so that’s good, because at this moment we have 16 outfield players available.”

Jack Ellis is set to return to action next week (Image: Ben Holmes)

Other players at Brunton Park are working their way back from injury, with Jack Ellis set to be the next member of Simpson’s squad to return to fitness.

He is set to figure in a reserve game next week and could come into contention for the December 16 home clash with Northampton Town.

“We have the [Central League Cup] game against Barrow next Tuesday, where we’re hoping he’ll play half a game,” said Simpson of the young Cumbrian defender.

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“So we’re hoping he could come back into our thinking for that weekend.

“It’s his first day back with the group today, he’s done all of the work.

“He’s slowly been integrated into things like the passing drills and little possessions, but he’s done the full session today. He’ll be involved in the Tuesday game and we’ll wait and see whether he comes through that ok.”

Simpson hopes to have Paul Huntington and Taylor Charters back in the coming weeks with Joshua Kayode also targeting a return come the end of the month.

United’s boss stressed he will not be rushing anyone back after the Blues have been hit by injured players going down again soon after making previous comebacks.

Jokull Andresson could return in late January while Fin Back is making progress back at parent club Nottingham Forest.

On the loan absentees, Simpson added: “Terry Ablade and Jokull are still here, they’re doing their rehab with us.

“Fin is back at Forest. I believe he’s back on the grass at Forest, so we’re waiting to find out [the latest].

“He’s got to be re-scanned to see where it’s at in the next week or so, but we’re still looking at end of January – beginning of February for the likelihood of him returning.

“Jokull’s feeling good at the moment, that may be end of January, and with Terry we’re going slowly with that one because there’s not a lot we can do about it.”