Shrewsbury boss Steve Cotterill admits they are “in the dark” over Aiden O’Brien’s fitness ahead of their clash with Wanderers.

The forward scored 11 goals last season but hasn’t featured since a 2-1 defeat at Plymouth back in October due to a groin issue.

Cotterill says O’Brien has seen a specialist, who decided against operating, and hopes to learn more this week.

Coventry loanee Julien Dacosta, who has made just nine appearances this season, also remains sidelined.

Cotterill told the Shropshire Star: “Aiden O’Brien has not had an operation so we are still waiting to get the report through on that one, about what the specialists actually think about Aiden.

"We are a little bit, at this moment, in the dark on Aiden because (the specialist) chose not to operate, which means she may be happy.”

He added: "She did operate on Julien, and there was a slight repair needed on the first surgery and also, she needed to do some work on a nerve.

"It is early days, but he has not got the same pain that he had before, so I suppose it is fingers crossed a bit on Julien.

"Julien, something has definitely been done and we are hoping that works. We will work on Aiden a bit more next week."

Shrewsbury are currently 13th in the League One table following Saturday’s 2-0 win against Lincoln City. Luke Leahy and Tom Bayliss were on target either side of half time.

Wanderers recorded a late 1-0 win at New Meadow last season, with Dion Charles scoring his first goal for the club.

The Whites also came out on top when the sides last met at the UniBol back in October 2021, with Antoni Sarcevic and Dapo Afolayan both getting on the scoresheet.

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