Steven Rudd says the knee injury Ben Williams suffered at Bradford City “doesn’t look good.”

The defender went off in the early stages of Carlisle United’s 2-1 defeat at Valley Parade.

Williams needed nearly ten minutes of treatment after going down hurt in the first half, and then left pitchside on crutches.

The Blues left-back will now received further assessment amid concerns of a serious injury.

“His foot got stuck in the ground with it being wet, and then he's made contact with the ball,” said joint caretaker boss Rudd.

“It’s not looking good, but we'll get him checked and see where he's at next week.

“We'll rally round him, support him and look after him – and hope for good news.”

Williams’ injury came on a day Terell Thomas also went off hurt in the second half whilst Carlisle were without both Aaron Hayden and Daniel Adu-Adjei.

Rudd said Thomas felt his hamstring – with which he has had recent problems – and did not want to risk the defender further.

“It was precautionary,” said Rudd.

“We didn't want to leave him on and make it worse, so we thought we'd get him off rather than make the damage worse.

“Again, we'll assess him next week and see where he's at.”

Defender Hayden was ruled out after having stitches last week and following the subsequent concussion protocol for head injuries, while striker Adu-Adjei had a knee problem.

Rudd said he hopes both will return for next weekend’s home clash with Fleetwood Town.

He added: “Aaron had stitches in his forehead after last week’s game against Tranmere, so he should come back into the group early next week.

“He's had [the stitches] removed and followed the protocol for concussion, which is fine.

“With Daniel it’s his knee. He tried to train yesterday, it wasn't 100 per cent, so we thought, coming here [to Bradford], we wanted everyone 100 per cent.

“Hopefully both of them will come back in for next week.”