Shrewsbury Town’s Alex Gilliead set for lengthy spell out after undergoing surgery

Shrewsbury Town’s Alex Gilliead has undergone surgery on a knee injury and could face around eight or nine months on the sidelines.

The 30-year-old has spent the season on loan at Carlisle United, starting all 37 of his appearances in the National League.

The midfielder was forced off midway through the first half of Carlisle’s 2-2 draw with Morecambe on Easter Monday and was subsequently ruled out for the remainder of the season, including the play-offs.

Speaking to the media ahead of the Cumbrians’ visit to Truro City this weekend, manager Mark Hughes confirmed Gilliead had undergone surgery.

“He’s had the operation and the surgeon seems very happy with it, so we are pleased with that news,” he said.

“He will get back as soon as he can. He is going to be in and around the club, and I think that is important given his contribution this year.”

Gilliead’s contract with Salop is due to expire at the end of the season, and he is now set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Asked about the recovery time, Hughes added: “It’s common knowledge that it is probably eight to nine months maybe.

“I don’t know if that is the case with Gilliead. All I know is that it went as well as it could be expected.

“Sometimes you can go into a knee and find other problems that don’t show up on a scan, but touch wood that hasn’t been the case with him.”

Gilliead has helped Carlisle to third place in the National League as they push for a return to the English Football League.

The midfielder’s loan at the Cumbrians was extended during the January transfer window until the end of the season.

Hughes continued: “He is one of those who is such a big influence for us in the dressing room as well. It is a really devastating injury for anybody and the group itself.

“He is a big personality in the group and the impact that he was having on the field playing for us, it is a big, big loss of energy.

“We will still have him in and around the dressing room, which is important.”

A product of Newcastle United’s academy, Gilliead gained senior experience through a series of EFL loan spells, including a previous stint at Carlisle during the 2015/16 season.

He first joined Shrewsbury from Newcastle United in 2018, signing a two-year deal.

The midfielder then played under Paul Hurst at Scunthorpe United, making almost 100 appearances for the Iron, before spending three years with Bradford City ahead of re-signing for Salop in 2024.

The 30-year-old signed a two-year deal at the Croud Meadow, which will expire at the end of next season.