Paul Dummett has suffered a “significant” hamstring injury and may even need surgery, Carlisle United head coach Mike Williamson says.

The news is “not great” on the defender’s injury, Williamson said after the Blues’ 1-0 defeat at Notts County.

Dummett went down hurt after just two minutes of his debut in Saturday’s 2-1 win at Fleetwood Town.

And he will not feature again for United in the foreseeable future, with the experienced former Newcastle United man set to see a specialist to determine the extent of his lay-off.

Williamson said United had received scan results and, on the damage it showed, said: “I’d say it’s significant.

“He’s going to have to go and see a specialist to see what that is going to entail, but it’s not going to be a short one.”

Williamson said it might “potentially” mean surgery but stressed that was only a possibility and not a medical decision at this stage.

“It’s really disappointing,” added the Blues head coach.

“It was the first game when he was meant to be involved, and then the manner of [what happened]…

“But he's a tough character and he's got a lot of experience, so he'll bring a lot to the lads in the squad and off the field.”

The news comes as a big blow to Carlisle, who had hoped to lean on Dummett’s experience in their battle for League Two survival.

The 33-year-old, who was previously with Wigan Athletic, had joined United on a deal until the end of the campaign.

The injury means his Blues career for the foreseeable amounts to a single touch of the ball in the opening stages against Fleetwood.

Williamson has not ruled out looking at the market for another defensive option but said United do have cover in the position with the likes of Jack Ellis and Ben Barclay.

At the other end of the pitch, meanwhile, the Blues are “very close” to bringing in another striker, Williamson said.

The head coach said it is hoped a deal can be secured before Saturday’s clash with Swindon Town, with Williamson telling the News & Star the player in question is a loan target.