Mike Williamson says he will have more selection “headaches” as Jordan Jones prepares to rejoin Carlisle United’s campaign.
The winger is on course to be available for this weekend’s clash with high-flying Crewe Alexandra.
United hope the former Rangers and Wigan Athletic man will offer a timely boost for the next series of games in the battle to get away from the bottom of League Two.
Jones has been sidelined since early October with a calf injury.
“Touch wood, with no issues, Jordan will be able to be involved [this weekend],” said Williamson, who added that Harrison Biggins (calf) is also close to a return.
“With Biggo, we’re hopeful as well,” added the Blues head coach.
“We’ve just got to make sure how his progression goes this week.
“So it's going to be a lot of headaches [for the Crewe game].”
Jones’ return will give United a further attacking outlet as they prepare to take on the Railwaymen.
The 30-year-old joined the Cumbrians in August but has been limited to just six appearances for the club this campaign, three under Williamson.
He and Biggins were the final signings made by Williamson’s predecessor Paul Simpson.
Should they come through the week unscathed they will join a squad that also has Ben Barclay back available, after suspension, for the Crewe game. Georgie Kelly and Dylan McGeouch have also made their comebacks from injury.
United will go into the contest bottom of the table on goal difference and hoping for a result in the early kick-off that can take them above second-bottom Morecambe and third-bottom Swindon Town, who are both level on points with the Blues and both in FA Cup second round action this weekend.
Williamson, meanwhile, says he expects Kadeem Harris to keep building following his home debut in the 0-0 draw with Doncaster Rovers.
He said of the recent arrival: “I thought he was quite positive, making things happen down the channel.
“Against a team that you know that you don't get three passes or three yards of space, you have to fight and scrap for everything.
“He has the quality we need in games like that to be able to take the hit, take the ball under pressure and then continue playing forward.”
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