Shropshire Star

Illness hits Shrewsbury Town ahead of trip to Gillingham

Illness-ravaged Shrewsbury Town hope to receive the green light on several sick players ahead of their trip to Gillingham tomorrow (3pm).

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At least four players have been away from Sundorne Castle this week – while there has been the added blow of losing Dave Edwards to an ankle injury, possibly for the rest of the season.

Ricketts fears his squad are ‘feeling the affects’ of a long campaign, in which Salop have already played 54 matches in all competitions – one of the busiest schedules in League One.

Ro-Shaun Williams, Josh Laurent, Ryan Sears and James Bolton have missed training this week as Town today leave for Kent, where 13th welcome 14th in the tight battle to escape relegation.

“We’ve had some illnesses, with Sears, Josh Laurent, Ro-Shaun hasn’t been able to train this week, Bolts wasn’t able to train,” said Ricketts.

“We are feeling the affects of a long season, not being able to train. I didn’t realise – I saw a stat on TV recently – and Shrewsbury were right up there on most games played this season. We’re starting to feel the affects a little bit but the lads are ready to play if necessary.”

But Ricketts suggested the sickness bug could mean opportunity knocks for others.

He added: “In football you have to fight for your place, we’ve got some good players who have found themselves out of the team. Through no fault of their own, but when the team has performed they weren’t in. They have to be training like they are and pushing to get back in to take an opportunity.”

“You want everyone to train and work in the week. It’s disappointing you can’t work with what your starting XI will be.”

Edwards, 33, has made just six appearances since his January return from Reading due to injury and suspension.

“He’s getting a scan and that may be him for a couple of weeks. You don’t know how long it’ll take to recover, it could be the season for him,” Ricketts said.

“It’s a real shame, he was training on a more regular basis, getting into shape.”