Carlisle boss Chris Beech is hoping to have a number of players available again for his side’s Sky Bet League Two clash at home to Bradford on Boxing Day.

Beech was down to just 16 professionals and two scholars for the 3-0 defeat at Colchester on Saturday due to injury and illness.

Jon Mellish is set to return after missing three matches with a dead leg, while fellow defender Jarrad Branthwaite and midfielder Harry McKirdy should have recovered from the illness that forced them out of the trip to the JobServe Stadium.

Defender Jack Iredale is closing in on a return after missing the last four matches with a knee injury.

Bradford hope to have captain James Vaughan, Adam Henley and Danny Devine all back in contention.

Striker Vaughan, defender Henley and midfielder Devine missed last week’s home draw against Salford after a sickness bug hit boss Gary Bowyer’s squad.

Jamie Devitt (hamstring), on loan from Blackpool, is closing in on a return to action following surgery in September.

Striker Clayton Donaldson is still working his way back following a toe operation in October.