Paul Simpson admitted Ethan Robson was a concern after a hamstring injury saw him limp out of Carlisle United’s defeat at Rochdale.

The midfielder was one of three players to go off injured in the 2-1 pre-season defeat at the Crown Oil Arena.

United’s manager played down any concerns over the others – Simpson saying defenders Aaron Hayden and Terell Thomas had a cut to the eye and cramp respectively.

But Robson looks to be a greater headache, the summer signing going off after half-an-hour at Rochdale.

Simpson told the News & Star: “Ethan is the bigger concern of the three.

“It’s too early [to say how serious it is] because when he did it, he said he just felt it tightening.

“With the first 48 hours, you never know with hamstrings, so we'll probably get it scanned early next week, if it needs to be scanned.

“It doesn't look particularly good in terms of him being available for the games [next] week, but that's me just with a pessimistic hat on.

“We'll wait and see how he goes. Hopefully it's not too bad.”

United face Gateshead next Tuesday and Stockport County the following Saturday.

Simpson was more confident about Hayden and Thomas being available for United's forthcoming games, despite both centre-backs going off in the second half of the defeat at Rochdale.

Hayden had to be replaced on the hour while Thomas came off in the closing stages, leaving Carlisle to finish the game with ten men, having by then used all their outfield substitutes.

“The other two were just a cramp [for Thomas] and Aaron Hayden got stood on on his head just above his eyes,” said Simpson.

“I think he just needs a couple of stitches in it, but again, it’s not really a [bigger] issue at all.

“I think everybody else came through the game okay.”