Carlisle United manager Mike Williamson has confirmed that midfielder Harrison Biggins is close to making a return to action after recovering from a calf injury.
The Shrewsbury Town loanee has missed the last four games but could feature in Carlisle’s upcoming match against Newport County if he comes through training unscathed this week.
Biggins Back in Contention
Biggins has been gradually reintegrated into training, and Williamson is optimistic about his availability. Speaking about the midfielder’s progress, Williamson said:
“He did parts of training last week, which has been really good, but if he can have a full week, then yes, he comes straight back into the thinking.”
The potential return of Biggins could provide a significant boost to the team, particularly with Jon Mellish also back in contention following a one-match suspension. With Ben Barclay and Harrison Neal recently returning, Carlisle’s squad is nearing full strength, with the exception of injured Ethan Robson.
Armstrong Left Out of Crewe Draw
In the aftermath of Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Crewe Alexandra, Williamson opened up about his decision to leave record signing Luke Armstrong out of the matchday squad. Armstrong’s omission was a tough call for the head coach, who prioritised other options on the bench to address tactical needs.
“It’s brutal – it’s the worst part of this job letting players down. But ultimately, when I went through the process of elimination, we had a lot of players – wing-backs, eights and fours – that I knew were going to get tired and that needed to change,” Williamson explained.
Despite Armstrong’s absence, Williamson praised the striker’s quality and work ethic, reiterating his value to the team. However, with a focus on tactical flexibility, Williamson felt other options were necessary for the Crewe fixture.
Jones on Suspension Watch
Jordan Jones is now walking a disciplinary tightrope after receiving his fourth booking of the season during the Crewe game. The cut-off for suspensions for five yellow cards comes after Carlisle’s 19th league game, making the Newport clash critical for Jones to avoid further cautions.
Writer’s View
The return of Biggins and Mellish adds depth and options for Carlisle as they prepare for a crucial encounter against Newport County. Williamson’s willingness to make tough decisions, such as leaving Armstrong out, highlights the competitive nature of the squad and the tactical considerations needed to maximise results.
