Shrewsbury Town winger Anthony Scully set for further time on sidelines
Shrewsbury Town winger Anthony Scully is expected to remain sidelined as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury.
Scully has been absent since he was forced off inside the opening 10 minutes of Salop's defeat to fellow League Two strugglers Bristol Rovers on New Year's Day.
The 26-year-old sustained a hamstring injury and is set to miss Shrewsbury's league clash with Harrogate Town at the Meadow this weekend.
Boss Appleton said: "We're hoping it's not going to be too long. I think next week might come a little bit too soon.
"But, we want to get him back in the frame as much and as quickly as we can, because he's a big player for us. He scores goals, he creates goals. So, as soon as he's back playing for us, the better."
Appleton previously admitted Scully's absence was a "big blow" for his side. The winger has made 20 appearances in all competitions so far this season, contributing four goals and providing two assists.
Scully was not involved in the squad that faced Premier League Wolves in the FA Cup third-round last Saturday. Shrewsbury were beaten 6-1 as teenage recruits Iwan Morgan and Trey Ogunsuyi were handed their debuts.
Tom Sang was another absentee. The midfielder has been recovering from a recent illness.
However, Shrewsbury did welcome Josh Ruffels back into to the starting XI after the 32-year-old returned from a calf problem.
Ruffels was withdrawn in the 75th-minute and replaced by teenager Jack Loughran, a decision Appleton said was made with the Harrogate fixture in mind.
Asked if he was pleased to have Ruffels back in action, Appleton added: "Yes, definitely. Bringing him off today was more protection for next week really, more than anything else.
"He's missed a good week or so of training. But he brings a lot of experience, he can deal with the ball, he can jump on things.
"Next week, that type of experience and quality is going to be really important to us."
Shrewsbury will look to end their eight-game winless league run on Saturday. They sit 22nd in League Two, one point and one position ahead of opponents Harrogate.