Curle anxiously waiting on duo

Carlisle are waiting to learn the full extent of the injuries expected to keep Mark Gillespie and David Symington out long term.

Goalkeeper Gillespie will be sidelined for up to six weeks after tearing his groin, while midfielder Symington was taken to hospital after suffering a major setback during his comeback match for Workington, who he joined on loan on Friday. "I think there were mixed reports coming out about the injury to Dave over the weekend," Cumbrians boss Keith Curle told the club's official website. "We heard it was everything from a dislocated knee to a fractured ankle. David was released from hospital on Sunday, so we'll wait for the reports to be assessed before we add to the rumour mill. "It's a shame because he has been chomping at the bit to play football. He's been doing extra sessions and the only thing missing has been 90 minutes of a competitive game. Hopefully it will be something he will recover from quickly." Curle hinted at bringing in cover for Gillespie, who had only just entered talks with the club over a new contract. "It's a recurrence of something which has happened before and he'll want to know as much as we do," Curle added. "His recovery process needs to strengthen it completely so it doesn't go again. "It's an opportunity for Dan Hanford to show us what he can do and, if we do add another keeper to the mix, that's the competitiveness we need in the squad."