Gavin Cowan provides update on Luca Hoole's recovery from injury

Shrewsbury Town are hoping Luca Hoole can return from injury for their final game of the season at Gillingham.

Boss Gavin Cowan confirmed Hoole is nearing a return from an ankle injury, but is unlikely to be in contention for their final home game of the season against Fleetwood Town tomorrow.

Hoole has been sidelined since sustaining the injury just before half-time in Town’s defeat to Walsall in late February.

He is one of several players whose contracts with Salop expire at the end of the season. Cowan said the club want to ensure players are ready for the new campaign, should they remain at the club.

Cowan said: “We were really hoping he was going to be involved today, but I don't think he quite makes it. So we're hoping for next week.

“But at this stage of the season, especially when we're in the situation that we're in, there's no point risking players.

“We need to make sure that they're ready for next year. Hopefully that's with us.

“But in Luca's situation, I think we just have to get it right. It's a bit of a strange injury.

“So it's one of those where for the most part, he can really feel like he's ready to go, and then a slight twist or a turn, it can be a problem. So yeah, he's not far.”

Cowan had previously suggested Hoole could “potentially” return before the end of the season after stepping back onto the grass during his recovery.

The 23-year-old has been one of Salop’s standout performers during a difficult campaign, featuring in 33 League Two games. Prior to his injury lay-off, Hoole had missed just two other league matches this season, when he was on the bench.

In 40 appearances in all competitions, the defender has contributed three goals and one assist. The 23-year-old joined Town on a two-year deal in the summer of 2024 after a compensation package was agreed with Bristol Rovers, where he came through the youth set-up.