Carlisle United are weighing up fitness issues as they head towards another crucial clash in the League Two relegation fight.

The Blues lost captain Sam Lavelle to a broken nose at Walsall on Tuesday.

The centre-back went to hospital after the game, having been substituted in the second half of the 3-1 defeat.

His recovery will now be assessed ahead of Saturday’s home clash with Cheltenham Town.

“[After the game] he was already saying that he would be fine for Saturday,” said head coach Mike Williamson.

“But of course it does bring a doubt over [it]. But it just shows you the type of person he is that he’s saying he’ll be OK."

Striker Charlie Wyke missed the Saddlers trip with Williamson saying the striker had been suffering from sickness.

On wing-back Archie Davies, meanwhile, the Blues boss said a call still needed to be made on the best course of action with his shoulder injury.

Williamson had previously said that surgery was the likely option but an operation may yet be avoided.

“He's got a decision to make on that, so we've left it with him,” Williamson told the News & Star.

“There's obviously surgery, which is an option to go in and get it done, but there is a bit of a chance for him to let it settle down and give it a couple of weeks rehab, which will shorten the length of it, and to do it in a non-invasive way.

“The medical team, Sophie [Birnie, head physio] has given him all the information, and he's going to make that decision.”

Aaron Hayden returned from injury at WalsallAaron Hayden returned from injury at Walsall (Image: Richard Parkes)

Williamson welcomed defender Aaron Hayden back to his side at Walsall for his first appearance for more than a month. The centre-back was then substituted at half-time.

“Aaron's huge for us, he's a massive leader and he brings a lot of quality,” said Williamson.

“But I didn't want to overload him and put him at risk again.

“Taylor Charters and Ethan Robson coming on and adding minutes into their legs, and Callum Guy [starting again] means there are positives, but we've got to make sure that we dust ourselves down and we're ready for Saturday.”

New signing Tyler Burey made his second substitute appearance on Tuesday and Williamson said: “He’s a good outlet for us, and I think his quality will only increase with his match fitness.”

Williamson did not rule out further moves in the free agent market. Asked if any further potential signings were in the offing, he said: “Not currently in the building, no, but we're obviously working.”