Richie Wellens is doubtful for the visit of Bristol City on Saturday after he limped off in extra time of the LDV first round match at Boundary Park. Carlisle’s Jamie McClen tackled Wellens and he ended up twisting his knee. The extent of damage to the ligaments and cartilage is not yet known.Ronnie Moore said, “Richie can’t straighten his knee, so we’ve just got to cross our fingers and hope for positive news. He’s a serious doubt for the Bristol City game and would obviously be a big miss from the team. Having Mark Hughes next to him has allowed Richie to pass the ball a bit more and really start influencing games. He’s just starting to play well, but this is typical of the way things have been going.”
Athletic already have Bonner, Stam, Owen, Swailes, Haining and Edwards ruled out of action and the injury to ever present Wellens is another blow to the team.