Shrewsbury issue Funso Ojo injury update ahead of Easter fixtures

The Belgian midfielder was absent for the Shrews' 1-1 draw against Lincoln City at the LNER Stadium last weekend and had received an injection in his shoulder during the week to stem the pain. 

Shrewsbury could be relegated before they kick-off at 3pm if Burton Albion avoid defeat at Exeter City in the early game.

Interim boss Michael Appleton has revealed that Ojo is also unlikely to be involved for the trip to Northampton Town on Easter Monday but is hopeful he could still be back in contention for the final two games of the season. 

Appleton said: "He's had an injection to try and stem the pain. It's an issue he has had for a while and obviously the medical team are aware of it. 

"I don't think it has quite settled down enough for him to be involved at this moment in time. Hopefully it will settle down over the next few days. 

"Monday might come a little bit too soon for him but you never [for the] last two games." 

Port Vale loanee Ojo will miss out on the chance to face former club Wigan where he made 23 appearances during his loan spell in 2020/21. 

The 33-year-old has played 33 times for Shrewsbury since arriving on a season-long loan from League Two leaders Vale on transfer deadline day in August.

Jordan Shipley had travelled with the squad to Lincoln last week but was forced to drop out on Friday evening due to a "family issue". 

Appleton understandably refused to go into detail on his absence but confirmed that Shipley returned to training on Tuesday and will be available for the visit of Wigan.

"He will [be back in the team]. He has back in normal on Tuesday. He had one or two issues family wise but everything seems to be ok now," he added.

Former Coventry City defender Shipley is the Shrews' joint-third leading scorer in all competitions after weighing in with four goals in 37 matches.

Ricardo Dinanga was the only fresh injury concern after the former Telford United striker rolled his ankle in training on Wednesday. 

The 23-year-old, who has featured just once from the bench since his January arrival, is a major doubt ahead of the Easter weekend.

"The only one who had a bit of a relapse with their ankle was Ricardo [Dinanga]," Appleton revealed.

"He pulled out of the warm-up yesterday. I think he rolled his ankle again so he's struggling a little bit with that." 

Opponents Wigan will be without Luke Chambers after boss Ryan Lowe confirmed the defender had cut his loan spell from Premier League leaders Liverpool short last week due to a back injury.

19th-place Wigan are not quite safe themselves. They sit five points clear of the relegation zone although they do boast a game in hand over Bristol Rovers in 21st.