Bennett back from ban

Forest Green welcome back Dale Bennett from suspension as they host Carlisle.

The defender has served a three-match suspension following his red card against Swindon in the EFL Trophy earlier in December.

But manager Mark Cooper is still without the services of Manny Monthe, who sits out the second game of his two-match ban having been dismissed during extra time of the FA Cup defeat to Exeter.

Cooper could hand a start to Drissa Traore, who made his comeback from a three-week absence as a second-half substitute at the weekend, while midfielder Isaiah Osbourne returned to training this week having missed the last five matches through injury.

Jamie Devitt is pushing for a start for Carlisle after impressing in their FA Cup replay win over Gillingham.

The midfielder has been out of favour in the league but was praised by boss Keith Curle following his first start for six weeks.

Curle refused to comment on the reason for leaving midfield pair Luke Joyce and Kelvin Etuhu out of the squad in midweek.

Captain Danny Grainger made his first start against Gillingham following a side strain and came through unscathed.