Lumsdon was a regular in the Carlisle midfield last season

Carlisle United have been given a boost with the news that midfielder Chris Lumsdon will not require surgery on his back injury.

The 28-year-old was set to undergo surgery in Newcastle on Wednesday until a pre-operation examination deemed the procedure unnecessary.

"It's really good news for Chris and for us," Carlisle manager John Ward told the club's website.

"The surgeons feel that they have seen significant improvement."

Lumsdon picked up the injury during the club's pre-season campaign and will remain on the sidelines for a further two months.

It is a step forward for us though because we can now concentrate on his rehabilitation Carlisle manager John Ward

"His recovery period will not be affected by the fact that he hasn't had the operation," Ward said.

"It is a step forward for us though because we can now concentrate on his rehabilitation, rather than have to factor in any post-op work that might have been needed.

"He is feeling much better in himself now."

Lumsdon, who joined the Cumbrians from Barnsley in 2004, will now step up his training programme but will not yet be able to kick a ball.

"We will get Chris back at the club and we'll see if we can continue to build him up naturally," Ward said.

Newcastle-born Lumsdon was a regular in the Cumbrians' first team last season. He has also had spells with Sunderland, Blackpool and Crewe.

Ward has also confirmed that Michael Bridges is not expected to return to fitness for another week.

The 30-year-old suffered a hamstring injury playing for Carlisle's reserve team but scans have shown the injury not to be as bad as first feared.