Carlisle United 3 - 1 Charlton Athletic

Abbott to assess Raven fitness

Updated: October 30, 2009, 2:48 PM UK

Carlisle manager Greg Abbott will check on the fitness of defender David Raven ahead of the visit of high-flying Charlton.

Raven has not played since the 4-2 win over Macclesfield in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy on October 6 because of a hip injury and he will be assessed ahead of the game.

Regardless of Raven's fitness, Abbott may again opt to field a reshuffled back four against Phil Parkinson's men.

Ian Harte has been switched from the left-back slot to play at centre-half, while Richard Keogh has moved from the middle to play at right-back, with Evan Horwood playing on the left.

The move proved successful as United ended a seven-game winless run against Southend last weekend and Abbott could go with the same style against the Addicks.

Striker Richard Offiong (hamstring) is a doubt for the Cumbrians, while skipper Paul Thirlwell (Achilles) and teenager Simon Lakeland (knee) are out.

Charlton boss Parkinson must choose between goalkeepers Carl Ikeme and Darren Randolph.

Parkinson drafted in Ikeme on a month's loan from Wolves after learning regular number one Rob Elliot has been ruled out for six weeks with an abductor muscle injury, and he may get the nod ahead of reserve keeper Randolph.

Parkinson has managed to solve his right back problems with new signing Elliot Omozusi set to slot straight in.

Frazer Richardson's thigh injury had left Parkinson short on numbers, especially with deputy Chris Solly also injured, but Omozusi's arrival solves any worries.

Midfielder Dean Sinclair (knee) and striker Leon McKenzie (thigh) are still absent, but Parkinson is considering a recall for teenage forward Jonjo Shelvey.