Jones set to return for Carlisle United against Bantams
Jordan Jones looks set to be in contention for a Carlisle United return this weekend.
The winger has recovered from a shoulder injury and is likely to be available to face Bradford City.
Jones has been out since the New Year's Day defeat at Crewe Alexandra.
The 30-year-old will now add to head coach Mike Williamson's options for a game which also sees an influx of new signings preparing for action.
"He's been back, he's been training and he's feeling good so he's in contention for Saturday," said United's head coach.
Jones is expected to be the only player back off the treatment table this week, though others are making progress at Brunton Park.
Williamson said defender Terell Thomas and midfielder Ethan Robson are a couple of weeks away from a return.
Others, such as Josh Vela, Archie Davies and Georgie Kelly are still a number of weeks away.
And Williamson said Dylan McGeouch is facing a longer lay-off, joining Charlie Wyke on the long-term sidelines.
"I think Dylan is going to be back end of February, potentially March," he said.
"[It should be] back end of February with Archie.
"With Georgie, we're looking at probably four to six weeks with his current situation."
A boost for the Blues has also come with the return of Callum Guy to the club this week.
Callum Guy (Image: Richard Parkes)
The midfielder, who has recovered from illness, has been doing fitness work on a bike as he builds up to a return to action.
"He's feeling better but he's still a long way off getting back on the training pitch," said Williamson.
"He's been in and around the lads which has been good. It's been really important for him and the other lads as well just to see him because I think there was a [period] that definitely was concerning there.
"It’s still taking it out of him when he's doing any physical exercise. So it's going to be just day by day, week by week. It'll be something that I can't put a time frame on right now."
United have a number of new faces competing for places in Saturday's squad.
Williamson said Paul Dummett is available along with Will Patching, both players having arrived with the need to work on their match fitness.
On former Derry City midfielder Patching, he said: "He's available for selection. He's been working hard.
"He needed a mini pre-season. I don't think he'll be fit enough to complete 90 [at the moment] but he's certainly fit for selection and someone we're considering."
And on ex-Newcastle United defender Dummett, he said: "I don't think we'll get the full 22 [games from him] but he's trained really hard on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. He was even doing his own running after training today.
"So we've had a really good week. As long as he recovers with no issues, he's fit for selection.
"It's going to be something that we just have to manage and work with him. But he's fit and ready to go."
Sean Fusire, Stephen Wearne and Cedwyn Scott are also in the frame for first outings since their January arrivals, with Elliot Embleton and Callum Whelan anticipating home debuts against the Bantams - and Williamson not ruling out more signings before Saturday.
