Mike Williamson says “everything” is under scrutiny at Carlisle United – including the Blues’ mounting injury list.

Carlisle have a host of senior players on the sidelines with Jordan Jones the latest ruled out for a number of weeks.

The problems have seriously depleted the squad Williamson has inherited.

And he said it is just one of a number of areas being looked at closely in the attempt to improve the Blues.

Asked if the injury list warranted deeper scrutiny, Williamson said: “We’re trying to scrutinise everything.

“We’ve got to look deeper, to every area, every department.

“The staff here are brilliant and give everything but sometimes people need that support. We’re in the process of trying to evaluate.

“Sometimes you just go through those periods. I’ve been at clubs before where you’re into double figures with injuries and there’s no rhyme or reason, you just go through those moments.

“We’ve just got to keep working and that’s what we’ll do.”

Williamson now faces a balancing act in terms of selection for tomorrow night’s Bristol Street Motors Trophy game against Wigan Athletic.

Carlisle, after their 0-0 draw at Colchester on Saturday (pictured), host Wigan in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy on Tuesday nightCarlisle, after their 0-0 draw at Colchester on Saturday (pictured), host Wigan in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy on Tuesday night (Image: Richard Parkes)

The head coach is keen to protest his threadbare first-team squad and is also keen to make changes – but his options are limited.

The Blues boss was also asked if any progress was being made in his assessment of the free agent market.

“We’re assessing it, working hard,” he said. “There are a few things we’re looking at.

“But it’s difficult – as I’ve said before, normally when you’re on a free it’s because of injuries and possibly age, things like that.

“We’ve got to make sure we don’t do something for the sake of it, and we have to bring the right character and quality in.”

One plus on the fitness front was the return of Jack Robinson to the first-team scene.

His substitute outing in the 0-0 draw at Colchester United on Saturday was his first senior appearance since April, the defender having returned from an ankle injury.

“To have a player of that quality [back] as well, it’s really important,” said Williamson.

“We’ve got one or two, two or three, hopefully getting close as well, and I’m looking forward to adding more bodies to the squad.

“Robbo came on and was brilliant – we just have to make sure we’re careful with him and don’t go too much too soon.”