Manager Hopeful Of Imminent Returns
Manager Micky Mellon is hoping for the return of several Shrewsbury Town players ahead of the busy festive fixtures.
The Town manager had to agonizingly watch on-loan forward Sullay Kaikai limp off the field in the home reverse to Swindon Town on Saturday to join several others on the treatment table.
But, speaking ahead of the visit of Fleetwood, the gaffer was hopeful of having him fit for selection.
“Sullay Kaikai has got a chance for the weekend,” said Micky.
"He just tweaked his hamstring when going up for a header. He just felt his hamstring a little bit but he’s massively better (on Monday morning) so I’ve just sent him home to be with his family for a couple of days.
"We’d do well to remember that he’s only a 19-year-old kid at times so he’s gone home to go and see Father Christmas.
"I’m hopeful he’ll be fine. He’ll go and get some treatment at Crystal Palace and go and spend some time with his family."
The former Fleetwood and Barnsley boss also revealed that goalkeeper Jayson Leutwiler is making good progress following on from the facial injury he suffered in the FA Cup second round tie at Grimsby Town.
"Leutwiler is tentatively getting back,” said Micky.
“He’s moving ahead quickly and I’d imagine after the weekend he’ll be back among it.
"He’s (Mark Halstead) doing terrifically well - he’s holding the jersey at the moment and that’s the way we’ve always done it here.
"You’ve got to say the goalkeeper playing at the minute has done a fantastic job so I’d do well to remember that.
"We’re blessed to have good goalkeepers here."
However, despite the progress of some, there are others whose return date is far less specific.
"Jermaine (Grandison) is still struggling,” admitted Micky.
"Zak (Whitbread) is ongoing day to day. We’re not sure if he will be fit for the weekend.
"(Larnell) Cole we are on and off with. Some days we think we are on and then very quickly it becomes a no.
"He complains that when he strikes the ball he feels his groin. It’s obviously frustrating for us because we all know how different he makes us when he plays for us. It’s frustrating for us but you’ve got to respect the boy is injured.”