Dylan McGeouch has been left off Carlisle United's squad list for the rest of the season.
The Blues have omitted the midfielder in the hope they can fill a remaining place with a free agent signing.
The Cumbrians submitted their confirmed squad list to the EFL following the January transfer window.
And in a statement the club said McGeouch was currently the man to miss out amid their attempts to add a new player from the unattached market.
"Dylan McGeouch has been de-registered to allow space for potential free agents," the club said.
"If those spaces aren't filled before Dylan returns from injury he will be re-registered."
Our squad list is now confirmed for the remainder of the season (GK's and U21's don't need registered).
Dylan McGeouch has been de-registered to allow space for potential free agents, if those spaces aren't filled before Dylan returns from injury he will be re-registered.
— Carlisle United FC (@officialcufc) February 11, 2025
McGeouch, currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, is under contract until the summer.
The decision on the 31-year-old raises the prospect that he may have played his last game for the club, should United indeed make inroads in the free agent market.
Head coach Mark Hughes told the News & Star at the weekend that United were looking at "doing something" with a potential free agent signing to increase the team's "physicality" for their survival battle.
Given League Two clubs can fill 22 places in their squad lists, the potential remains for two more signings, given McGeouch's omission.
United's squad list includes other players currently out injured, highlighting hopes that some long-term absentees could yet feature this season.
Those include Charlie Wyke, the striker who has been out since October with a serious ankle injury, and Paul Dummett, who injured his hamstring on his debut last month. Josh Vela, Archie Davies and Georgie Kelly, who are all working their way back from injury are included, likewise Callum Guy as he recovers from illness.
United's squad list includes 20 senior players, as well as eight under-21 players.
Under-21s and goalkeepers do not count in the senior squad numbers submitted on the lists to the EFL.
The senior 20-man squad on the list includes January signings Dummett, Elliot Embleton, Will Patching, Stephen Wearne, Callum Whelan, Cedwyn Scott and Josh Williams.
Those on the under-21 list include further recent arrivals Joe Bevan, Sean Fusire, Charlie McArthur and Joe Hugill.
McGeouch, during his time on the sidelines, has recently been helping out behind the scenes at United, as well as taking coaching qualifications.
The full updated EFL squad lists can be found HERE
