Struggling League Two side Carlisle United have suffered yet another blow to their season, with striker Charlie Wyke set to miss the rest of the season through injury.
The club confirmed that the 31-year-old club captain is set to miss the rest of the season after fracturing and dislocating his left ankle on the weekend in the 1-0 defeat to Cheltenham Town.
Wyke came on at half-time, but then had to be stretchered off the pitch a mere 15 minutes later after a heavy tackle by Cheltenham midfielder Luke Young, who received a yellow card for the challenge.
With the Cumbrians currently in the relegation zone and winless in eight, this is yet another big blow to Mike Williamson’s side, who despite being in League One last season, now face the possibility of back-to-back relegations to the National League.
What Next For Carlisle United?
Williamson must now navigate League Two without his club captain in Wyke. The striker scored twice this season in 12 appearances, 10 of which he started and was joint top-scorer alongside Luke Armstrong, Sam Lavelle and Jon Mellish.
The 31-year-old rejoined Carlisle in the summer, with fans hoping he could hit the heights of previous years at the club again this season. However, the season has not gone to plan for Williamson’s side, as they currently sit 23rd on eight points after 14 games. They parted ways with long-serving manager Paul Simpson just five games into the season, and since it has gone from bad to worse for the Cumbrians.
With the injury to Wyke, it now leaves minimal options upfront for Carlisle. One of these options however is new signing and former Millwall attacker Tyler Burey, who is slowly building up match fitness after joining the club less than two weeks ago. With the current lack of options up front at the club, Burey could capitalise on this opportunity.
“It’s obviously disappointing news for Charlie (Wyke) and for all of us.” Williamson told the club website.
“He’s our captain and he’ll be missed, but we know how tough he is and we’re all right behind him.
“He’s got the complete support of everyone at the football club, and we’ll help him through this in whatever way we can.”
Writers View
Losing such an experienced player is a massive blow for Carlisle. With the situation they are already in in terms of league position, it will be hard for Williamson to try and get the Cumbrians out of this mess.
