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Macclesfield v Shrewsbury preview

Image: Coughlan: Doubtful for Shrews

Macclesfield boss Keith Alexander has no major concerns ahead of the visit of Shrewsbury.

Shrews have doubts over captain Coughlan

Macclesfield boss Keith Alexander has no major concerns but midfield duo Ross Draper and Hamza Bencherif remain sidelined with long-term injuries. Draper is nursing a hernia problem while Bencherif suffered a fractured ankle in the 3-0 defeat at Rochdale on 5th December. Alexander will also be without left-back Carl Tremarco, who will have a hernia operation next week. The Silkmen chief said: "When you look at the size of the squad Shrewsbury have and the crowds they attract, then you'd class them as serious promotion contenders. We know we're in for a tough test."

Shrews news

Shrewsbury still have doubts over captain Graham Coughlan. The centre-back picked up a hamstring injury in the 1-1 draw at Burton in mid-January, and although he has now made a full recovery, manager Paul Simpson remains uncertain as to whether he is ready to be thrown back into match action. There are also doubts surrounding the availability of right-back Dean Holden after his hamstring problem was deemed more serious than first predicted. Youngster Danny Taylor is suffering with a sore throat, although he should be OK if needed, but Andres Arestidou (hernia) and Jake Simpson (knee) stay sidelined as the Shrews embark on a crucial series of six games that Simpson believes will play a big part in the club's battle for promotion.