Shrewsbury Town v Bristol Rovers injury news as four ruled out

Bristol Rovers resume their 2023/24 League One campaign as they travel to the New Meadow to face Shrewsbury Town on Saturday, September 16 (3.00 pm kick-off).

The Gas did play during the international break and that was against Cheltenham Town in which they won 4-1. Aaron Collins got a much-needed goal whilst James Gibbons and Antony Evans were also on target.

Rovers had a rest at the weekend however, and it will be interesting to see how Joey Barton lines his side up against the Shrews.

Here’s the latest injury and team news of both Bristol Rovers and Shrewsbury Town.

Bristol Rovers team news

Last week's break in games allowed for any players with knocks and niggles to recover with only Luca Hoole called up for international duty. The defender captained Wales' under-21's in a friendly against Lichenstein, and then played in a EURO 2025 qualifier against Lithuania on Tuesday, given that he has travelled within the same content, there should be no worry about his match fitness.

Jordan Rossiter is the Gas’ long-term absentee. He has been injured since December 2023, having damaged his meniscus against MK Dons in an EFL Trophy match. He was meant to go undergo surgery but suffered a set back, and did not return to pre-season training at the same time as his teammates. Rossiter will have to undergo a long rehabilitation period before he is considered ready for first-team action.

James Gibbons featured against Cheltenham in the Trophy, and will now be hoping for his first league minutes. James Belshaw is another who hasn't played a minute of league football this term but he did make a return to action against the Robins. Luke McCormick meanwhile has been limited to just 20 minutes however he scored a stoppage-time winner against Charlton Athletic.

Shrewsbury Town team news

Matt Taylor's side also got involved in the EFL Trophy but suffered a 3-0 defeat to Forest Green Rovers following a string of changes from the team that lost 2-0 to Carlisle United on Saturday, September 2.

The Shrews are to be without George Nurse who suffered a knee injury in pre-season. The defender ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament injury last September and worked hard to recover from the injury but suffered a setback during his rehabilitiation. Taylor said in July: “Unfortunately we have had it confirmed George has sustained a knee injury.

“What I have done when speaking to George is offer him condolences because I think he has been exceptional throughout pre-season.

Left-midfielder Jordan Shipley meanwhile has been ruled out after suffering a knee injury against Fleetwood Town. It was worried he would be out for longer but fortunately for the player, he will only be out until December.

Elliot Thorpe who joined on a season-long loan from Luton Town returned to Shrewsbury's training base but won't play this weekend. He is awaiting a scan to understand how long he will be out for and when he can return.