Palace recall Sullay Kaikai from Shrewsbury
Shrewsbury Town have suffered a blow after Sullay Kaikai was recalled by Crystal Palace - as goalkeeper Jayson Leutwiler prepares to return.
Several injuries have led to the Eagles cutting short the 20-year-old winger's loan early to January 2.
Bakary Sako and Dwight Gayle (both hamstring), Connor Wickham (calf), Yohan Cabaye (heel) and Mile Jedinak (ankle) are out, which has led to midfielder Jason Puncheon playing wide.
Kaikai is seen by Palace boss Alan Pardew as the one jewel in the crown who could make the step up.
The youngster quickly became a firm favourite with Town fans and scored five goals in 14 appearances, winning the League One fans' player of the month award for October.
Ironically he had been sent back to Selhurst Park to spend Christmas Day with his family and have treatment on a minor hamstring niggle before returning for the Boxing Day visit of Fleetwood.
But boss Micky Mellon said: "We're disappointed to lose such a talented player but we have to be grateful for the time we had him because he made a massive impact.
"He's a great kid and we absolutely wish him well for the future. There's always a threat that the timing of their return is never ideal, especially when they've been so prominent. But we've got to move on."
Larnell Cole has a chance of making the Boxing Day clash and Mellon challenged other players to fill Kaikai's boots.
The Town chief said: "We've got talent we can look at now and somebody will, hopefully, step up."
Meanwhile, Leutwiler could make Monday's trip to Crewe after missing the last three games with a broken nose and facial cuts.
The Swiss shot-stopper is doing handling drills again and Mellon said: "After the weekend he'll be back among it."
Asked if he will be available for Crewe, the boss said:"Possibly, but you've got to say the goalkeeper playing has done a fantastic job."