Carlisle United manager Paul Simpson provided updates on the injuries of Owen Moxon and Ben Barclay after both players were unavailable for the team’s match against Exeter.
According to Simpson, Moxon suffered a dead leg just above his knee, making it too painful for him to play. Despite attempting some work, Moxon wasn’t fit to participate in the match.
On the other hand, Barclay experienced discomfort in his knee, initially raising concerns about a potential cartilage issue. However, a scan revealed no serious problems, providing some relief to the team.
Simpson expressed optimism about the injuries not being long-term and expected both Moxon and Barclay to be available for the upcoming home clash against Oxford United.
The manager described Moxon’s injury as a temporary setback due to a dead leg that he hoped would settle down. Similarly, Barclay’s knee issue, while initially worrisome, turned out to be less severe than anticipated.
In the absence of Moxon and Barclay, Simpson made strategic changes to the lineup. Harrison Neal made his debut in midfield, showcasing a promising performance.
Corey Whelan was called back into the defense to replace Barclay. Additionally, Luke Armstrong was given the opportunity to make his debut as a forward, taking the place of Joe Garner.
Simpson emphasized the need for every player to step up and contribute, given the current state of the team. He acknowledged instances in the Exeter match where not everyone met the expectations of standing up and being counted.
Regarding other squad decisions, Simpson explained the absence of new signing Seán Grehan from the playing squad. Despite traveling with the team, Grehan, who recently joined from Crystal Palace’s Under-21s, had limited training time with the group.
Simpson believed it was too early to include him in the matchday squad but considered his presence beneficial for him to familiarize himself with the team dynamics.
Furthermore, Simpson addressed the exclusion of Paul Huntington from the squad, clarifying that the 36-year-old player was not considered a substitute at this stage.
Huntington had faced setbacks with calf and quad injuries, and Simpson expressed the need for him to reach a higher level of fitness before being considered for starting positions.
Simpson praised Sam Lavelle in the central back three and justified his decision to leave Huntington out, emphasizing the importance of selecting a bench with viable options for substitutions.
In summary, Simpson provided a comprehensive overview of the injury updates, lineup changes, and squad decisions, highlighting the challenges and considerations involved in managing the team effectively.
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