Shrewsbury Town handed triple injury boost

Former Bury man Riley picked up a knee injury in training last Thursday and missed the clash at Southend, with boss Paul Hurst fearing a lengthy absence for the summer recruit.

But scan results show the 25-year-old should be back within five weeks of minor surgery.

"We've had Joe scanned and unfortunately the damage to his knee will need an operation," Physio Chris Skitt told ShrewsWeb.

"It will probably keep him out for around four to six weeks. His operation is scheduled for Saturday, so he will be well on the way to recovery following that.

"On the back of the knee cap there is some cartilage which has taken a bit of damage from a tackle. That is something that unfortunately won't repair itself so we need to go in and tidy it up.

"The operation is very straightforward. It lasts around 20 minutes."

Meanwhile popular full-back Grimmer and pacy winger Whalley are targeting a first-team return in Saturday's FA Cup tie with Barnet.

Grimmer, on-loan from Fulham, has missed the last two weeks, while Whalley has missed seven games having pulled a calf muscle in the 1-1 draw with Peterborough.

Having featured the recalled Dom Smith at right-back at Southend without naming any defenders on the substitutes bench - Grimmer's return in particular will be welcome news to new boss Hurst.

"Jack and Shaun both had extensive rehab sessions with me last week. A lot of sprinting and a lot of twisting and turning outdoors.

"Both of them thankfully came through that fine and have gone back into full training today, so we will be looking at how they progress through the week and making our minds up on whether the tolerance is there for them to drop back in for selection."

Another injury concern at the back, Olly Lancashire, has been in non-contact training as the club look to improve his chances of returning for next Tuesday's Checkatrade Trophy clash at Middlesbrough.