Carlisle United have suffered a double injury blow with both Dylan McGeouch and Josh Vela ruled out for “significant” time.

Head coach Mike Williamson says the experienced pair are both set to miss the next eight to ten weeks.

McGeouch has a hamstring injury while Vela has a calf problem.

Both injuries arose from last weekend’s 2-0 defeat to Chesterfield.

“They will both be out for relatively significant periods,” Williamson said.

McGeouch has endured an injury-hit Blues career over the last season-and-a-half and now faces fresh frustration.

“It’s really disappointing and frustrating,” said the Blues boss of the former Celtic man.

“He's been brilliant in training, he's been brilliant around the place, a really infectious character.

“He’s somebody who we wanted to influence on the pitch just as much as off the pitch.

“Unfortunately it's a significant hamstring issue and he's been to see me to ask how he can support the club and the boys the best he possibly can.

“So that just shows you the personality he has.”

Vela was due to miss Saturday’s trip to Port Vale through a one-game suspension but is also now ruled out until well into the new year.

On whether losing two midfielders could alter his January transfer window priorities, Williamson replied: “It’s one of those where it's no secret that we haven't been good enough and we have to improve.

“They are two big blows – experienced heads that we would have leaned on during the Christmas period.

“But nothing changes the fact that we have to get better and we're looking to.”

Kadeem Harris is hopeful of returning this weekend (Image: Richard Parkes)

Williamson hopes Kadeem Harris will be fit to return to the squad at Port Vale, after a hip problem ruled him out against Chesterfield.

“He's had a good session today and as long as there's no issues reported, then he'll be training Friday,” said Williamson, adding that a final decision would be left until just before Carlisle board the team coach on Friday.

The Blues boss also said Dominic Sadi and Harrison Biggins are being monitored, Sadi with a knock and Biggins with “fatigue” in certain areas following his recent return from injury.

He said he was due to check on their progress with physio Sophie Birnie. “They were both on the grass today building up,” Williamson added. “[Based on the reports] I’m slightly more hopeful with Dom than Biggo, but I have to find out.”

Williamson said third-choice keeper Jude Smith has been back on the grass and training following his back injury, but youth keeper Thomas Randall remains with the squad having been on the bench last weekend.

“It’s a back issue, so we’ll have to see how he responds to the work,” he said of Smith. “But there’s a possibility of [him being involved].”

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