Carlisle v Wycombe preview

Skipper set to be passed fit for Cumbrians

Last updated: 11th December 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Carlisle v Wycombe preview

Thirlwell: Set to be passed fit

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Carlisle skipper Paul Thirlwell is expected to be passed fit for the visit of Wycombe.

The midfielder has been sidelined with an Achilles problem since the Cumbrians' 1-1 draw with Southampton at the end of September.

Manager Greg Abbott will once again be without the services of Marc Bridge-Wilkinson, Richard Offiong (both knee) and David Raven (hip), while Simon Lakeland is a major doubt with a medial ligament problem.

Adam Clayton came through 90 minutes in the 0-0 draw with Gillingham last weekend following his recovery from a knee injury and should retain his attacking role alongside Vincent Pericard.

Abbott told the club's official website: "This will be the toughest home game we've had in a while.

"They are in a situation that we were in a couple of weeks ago and they will want the points."

Chairboys news

Wycombe are waiting on the fitness of midfielder Tommy Doherty ahead of their long trip to Carlisle.

Doherty missed last weekend's game with Stockport after injuring the same ankle that he had problems with earlier in the season.

But the 30-year-old trained on Thursday and has not been ruled out of the game at Brunton Park.

Matt Bloomfield and Stuart Beavon are both expected to be available despite struggling with illness.

However, Chairboys boss Gary Waddock will be without on-loan QPR midfielder Gareth Ainsworth, who is struggling with a calf injury.

Leon Johnson (hip) remains a long-term absentee, along with Lewis Montrose, who is recovering from a cartilage operation on his knee.

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