Defender David Raven could be ruled out of Shrewsbury Town’s League Two promotion push for up to three months due to a persistent hip injury.

Summer recruit Raven returned from an 11 week lay-off last weekend, coming off the bench to replace injured skipper Ian Sharps in the 3-1 defeat to Morecambe.

But he broke down in training again this week and boss Graham Turner – who today revealed he is also on the verge of making a new signing – admits the prognosis is not good for the defender.

“He’s due to go and see a specialist next week and there’s the prospect of him not being fit for some time because of the hip injury,” said Turner, busy finalising his preparations for tomorrow’s trip to Barnet.

“He went on early in last week’s game but the problem affected him again and he pulled up in training.

“He went to the specialist on Wednesday and he needs to have more tests.

“The worst-case scenario is that he could be out for three months.”

Turner revealed that he is close to adding a player to his squad, though he was not expecting the deal to be completed ahead of the League Two trip to Underhill.

“We have got an agreement with a club and a player but he got a knock in training yesterday that might hold it up,” said the Town boss.

“It would be difficult for a player just to turn up and play, so even if we do bring someone in now they are unlikely to start tomorrow.”

Town are hoping to get back on track at Barnet after suffering two home defeats.

But the London side, who are still looking for a new boss after the dismissal of Mark Stimson, were boosted by their impressive 3-1 victory at Bradford last week.

Temporary manager Paul Fairclough has also strengthened his squad by signing Wolves right-back John Dunleavy, 19, on a short-term loan.

And Town could have midfielder Craig Disley back, the former Bristol Rovers man having returned from a hip injury with a 70-minute run out for the reserves against Preston on Wednesday.

By Chris Hudson