Hayden Atkinson is set to return for Carlisle United in another welcome fitness boost for boss Mark Hughes.
The teenage Cumbrian defender, out recently with a groin injury, could be back in contention for the trip to Truro City.
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Atkinson’s return suddenly increases Hughes’ glut of right-back options to FOUR after Josh Williams also made his comeback last weekend.
They join Jack Ellis and Archie Davies as options for the position, at a time other senior players are also on the brink of returning in other positions.
The availability of several players after spells on the sidelines is timely with United facing two remaining National League games before the play-offs.
Atkinson was on the pitch doing some running drills before last weekend’s 3-0 win over Sutton United.
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“We will have Hayden available next week,” said Hughes of the promising 18-year-old.
“He was in the squad, but didn’t make the bench – but he’s an option now as well.
“We’re getting a few back.”
Williams came off the bench for his first outing in two months, following a hamstring injury lay-off.
The pacy full-back was first-choice in the role for a sustained spell before suffering the injury in February’s 3-1 win at Forest Green Rovers.
Josh Williams, centre, returned against Sutton after two months out (Image: Ben Holmes)
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“He’s been out eight weeks and he’s been chomping at the bit,” said Hughes.
“Sometimes you have to protect players from themselves because he’s felt really good, but he hasn’t hit his marks, in terms of maximum speed, which is key given the injury that he had.
“So we had to just chalk those off, those landmarks, those markers in his fitness.
“Once he’d done that, then he was available.”
Other players who could be back in the mix include striker Luke Armstrong and midfielders Elliot Embleton and Chris Conn-Clarke, while wide man Junior Luamba is also close to a return.
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“Luke should be an option, Embo’s not far away…a lot of the guys are coming back so we should be in good shape,” added Hughes.
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