Shrewsbury Town were today fearing they could lose striker Omer Riza for the next two months of the campaign.

Riza was introduced as a half-time substitute during Tuesday’s 5-0 defeat at Dagenham & Redbridge, but lasted just nine minutes before himself having to be replaced by Andre Gray.

The 29-year-old was due to have a scan on his ankle today, but Town officials – who are preparing for tomorrow’s visit of Chesterfield – are concerned that a lengthy absence could follow.

“Omer looks like he will be out for six to eight weeks which is bad news for us and him,” said manager Paul Simpson.

“It was an innocuous thing where he tried to roll their defender and took a whack and a twist on his ankle.

“We are waiting for a scan to see how bad it is, but it looks like six to eight weeks.”

Simpson, meanwhile, is seeking a swift response from his squad as they prepare to bounce back from the hefty midweek disappointment.

“The players have worked hard in training but the only way you put it right is getting the results,” added the Town boss.

Revealed

“We need to start Saturday against a good Chesterfield side. I watched them Wednesday against Notts County (where they registered a 2-1 victory) and they are a very good side.

“They have made a lot of changes from last season but they are a good footballing side with a great work ethic.”

Simpson has revealed there will be changes to his starting line-up from midweek, with Paul Murray pushing for a recall having recovered from a minor Achilles problem which kept him sidelined in midweek.

“I will consider changes but that’s not just off Tuesday,” admitted SImpson.

“It’s off last Saturday as well (2-2 draw at Barnet) because there were things there I wasn’t very happy about.

“There will be changes to it and we have to put a side out there that can go and do the job properly.”