Bury defender Adam Lockwood is set to miss the majority of the season after learning he needs to undergo groin surgery.
The 31-year-old former Doncaster defender was an ever-present for the Shakers this season, making 17 appearances, but has not featured since scoring in the 2-0 home win over Portsmouth in November.
He limped off in the closing stages of that match and, after a month of attempted rehabilitation, consultation with a specialist means he is set to go under the knife and be ruled out until around March or April.
Fellow defender Phil Picken is already out for the season due to a knee injury but boss Kevin Blackwell is unable to seek reinforcements at present as the Shakers are under a Football League transfer embargo.
Shrewsbury are without Luke Summerfield.
The midfielder has been ruled out for a month after undergoing hernia surgery this week.
Youngster Ryan Woods - who made the bench for the first time in his career against Carlisle last weekend - is among the possible replacements.
On-loan forward Luke Rodgers is a doubt, after missing training on Thursday through illness. Wales Under-21 internationals Tom Bradshaw and Ryan Doble are on standby should Rodgers be ruled out.
Winger Mark Wright is a major doubt as he continues to struggle with knee ligament damage. He is likely to be missing for a second successive game, but boss Graham Turner is hopeful to have the 30-year-old back for the Boxing Day clash with Notts County.
