Joe Riley will return for Shrewsbury insists Jack Grimmer

And Grimmer says the ability of Riley – a contender for his right-back role – means he'll come back successfully.

Riley had been impressing new Salop chief Paul Hurst in training but broke down with the problem just three days into the boss's tenure.

After being signed by former boss Micky Mellon in the summer, Riley has featured 16 times for the club, scoring once – in Mellon's final win, a 3-2 success at Oldham.

The 25-year-old is a product of the Bolton Wanderers academy, but an anterior cruciate ligament injury in 2013 halted his progression. While the current cartilage damage is not as serious, Fulham loanee Grimmer – who also plays at right-back – backed his team-mate.

"I wish Joe nothing but good wishes, 100 per cent," said Grimmer. "I've been talking to him all of the way through his rehab and stuff.

"Even if the player plays in the same position as you, you would never wish injury on anyone."

Hurst estimates Riley to be back in contention by mid-December after the minor surgery on his knee cartilage was successful. And Grimmer, who netted a fine strike in the recent FA Cup success over Barnet, has sympathy for his fellow defender.

"It's a horrible place to be. I've had it before when a new manager's came in or pre-season has started and you pick up an injury," he added.

"You just don't get time to show what you've got. But he'll come into it fresh. With his ability and his delivery and things like that I'm sure he won't struggle."

Now in his third loan spell with Salop, popular Scottish defender Grimmer is a firm favourite with supporters.

"We were laughing about it on the bus that I'm up there with those who've played the most for Shrewsbury Town – and I've never been a permanent player," he added.

"I've settled into the town and I have the family down, they all love it. There's a relaxed feel and lots of places to eat. I've fitted in nicely."