Paul Dummett could be available to a new Carlisle United head coach before the end of the season after all.

There had been fears that the experienced defender would struggle to kick a ball again this campaign because of a "significant" hamstring injury.

But it has been confirmed that the ex-Newcastle United man will not be undergoing surgery on the injury.

The prospect of 33-year-old Dummett playing anything other than a bit part in Carlisle’s League Two survival bid remains remote.

But at least his brief solitary appearance against Fleetwood Town last month, which lasted just two minutes before Dummett went down injured, might not prove his last.

Former head coach Mike Williamson confirmed last weekend that Dummett would not be going under the knife, telling the News & Star: “It's not going to be surgical, I think he's just going to have a few injections and rehab conservatively.”

Asked if the former Wigan Athletic player could feature before the end of 2024/25, Williamson added: “Hopefully, yes.”

It has proved a chequered start to life with the Blues for Wales international Dummett, who was involved in a car accident on the eve of his planned debut against Bradford City the week before the Fleetwood game, ruling him out of the Bantams clash.

In the shorter term a player hoping to return at the start of the next head coach’s reign is Stephen Wearne.

The attacking midfielder has made just one appearance since his January move.

Stephen Wearne (Image: Ben Holmes)

Since his debut against Bradford City, illness has cost Wearne a place in the squad against Fleetwood Town, Notts County and Swindon Town.

He is said to be rebuilding his fitness and strength in the hope of being available to face his former club Grimsby Town on Saturday.

Williamson said former MK Dons and Gateshead man Wearne had been “quite unwell” and had “lost quite a bit of weight”.

The 24-year-old was back in training last Friday and took part in a session on the grass as he began his bid to return to availability.

Wearne and Dummett were among 11 signings made by Williamson last month before the head coach was sacked by the Blues on Monday.