Thursday 6 October 2011 13:52, UK
Shrewsbury have been handed a boost with the news Reuben Hazell's knee injury is not as severe as first feared.
The defender visited a knee specialist on Wednesday to fully assess the damage sustained in the 2-0 League Two victory over Torquay just under two weeks ago. A scan highlighted a torn cruciate but the initial diagnosis is that Hazell will not require surgery, meaning around four months on the sidelines should this be the case as he undergoes intensive rehabilitation. It was originally feared the 32-year-old could be missing for the rest of the season. Meanwhile, Shrews have also been boosted by the return to training of fellow defender Carl Regan on Thursday morning following a long-term calf injury.