Cambridge v Shrewsbury Town preview: Salop must shake off injury issues to build momentum

The victory over Northampton Town last weekend ended their seven-match streak without scoring a goal and gave them their first win since the end of August.

Max Mata and Nohan Kenneh are not going to be available though, as they are on international duty.

The Town boss Matt Taylor says he knew what they were getting into when they signed Mata and Kenneh, and although he is disappointed not to have them available he wants them to do well on international duty.

He said: “It is a big miss, but we were aware that we were signing international players and both of them are really good players so I am happy for them that they going to represent their countries.

“But obviously it hurts because we lose them both for this game against Cambridge.

“The big thing is they both go away and enjoy their time away from here and hopefully when they return, fingers crossed they will be fully fit and secondly having performed well and been part of some positive performances for their countries. So as happy as we are for them, obviously it is very disappointing for us as we are going to be at least three players down on Saturday.”

Town will also be without Morgan Feeney as the defender, who has been solid on the right of Town’s back three so far, has pulled his hamstring. He is set to be out for four to six weeks.

They will shuffle the pack and Joe Anderson is most likely to be the man who comes back into the side with Tom Flanagan moving to the right side of the back three.

There could be bigger problems for Town, though, if Taylor Perry is not passed fit for the clash.

He has a minor groin issue and is ‘touch and go’ for the game, leaving Town with a headache in midfield if he does not make it.

Carl Winchester played at right wing-back last weekend so it is almost certain that he will play in central midfield as the only out-and-out midfielder still fit.

Elliott Bennett could play alongside him if Perry is not available, which could pave the way for Tunmise Sobowale to make his first league start in a Shrews shirt at right wing-back.

The other decision is who partners Dan Udoh up front. Kieran Phillips has been eased into life at Town, but now would be a great chance for the loanee.

It might be worth giving Perry an extra week to recover, Shrews are already depleted in midfield, and if they take a risk it could stretch them even further. Taylor has already made the decision of who will play in his absence should he not make it.