Gowling joined the Cumbrians from Bournemouth during the summer

Carlisle United have suffered a double injury blow to midfielder Chris Lumsdon and defender Josh Gowling.

Lumsdon faces a three-month lay-off with a continuing back injury while Gowling suffered a broken nose playing for the reserves.

"Josh will see a specialist this week and could be out for between two to four weeks," Carlisle manager John Ward told BBC Radio Cumbria.

"After a good start to the season we will now be short of two players."

Lumsdon, 28, picked up his back injury during pre-season and is set to be out of action until November.

The midfielder joined Carlisle in August 2004 from Barnsley and was a regular in the Cumbrians' first team last season. He has also had spells with Sunderland, Blackpool and Crewe.

I think it's important to try and improve the squad, that was always my intention Carlisle manager John Ward

"Chris has had an injection in his back which is going to need six months to settle," Ward said.

"After that he's got to go through another six-month's build-up so it's like doing another pre-season again."

Gowling, who joined Carlisle from Bournemouth during the summer, broke his nose 10 minutes into the reserves' 4-1 home win over Rochdale.

Gary Madine, Luke Joyce, Darren Campion and Michael Bridges were all on target for a strong Blues second-string at Brunton Park.

Midfielder Grant Smith came through 90 minutes on his return from injury while Jeff Smith and man-of-the-match Cleveland Taylor also played a full game.

Ward will now step up his efforts to strengthen his squad ahead of the transfer deadline.

"I think it's important to try and improve the squad. That was always my intention."

"The injuries might make it a bit more important and the board have given me their support to make the squad that little bit thicker so that's what I will try to do."