Andy Cannon sidelined as struggling Rochdale host leaders Shrewsbury

Rochdale will again be without Andy Cannon for their clash with League One leaders Shrewsbury on Friday.

The midfielder fractured a cheekbone against Fleetwood earlier this month and needs an operation, meaning he will definitely miss the rest of the season.

Long-term injury victims Niall Canavan and Keith Keane are set to miss out again.

Dale have only lost one of their last six matches but remain in deep trouble, five points from safety, albeit with games in hand on most of their rivals.

Shrewsbury have only one established central midfielder available for the match, having lost captain Abu Ogogo to a four-match suspension following his sending off against Northampton and Ben Godfrey to a hamstring injury.

While Shrews boss Paul Hurst saw replacement Bryn Morris pick up two yellow cards against AFC Wimbledon last time out.

Morris must serve a one-match ban which leaves Hurst short of options as the visitors look to maintain their slender lead over Wigan and Blackburn.

He could opt to bring in Sam Jones or Arthur Gnahoua, or shuffle his defence to allow Luke Hendrie to play in midfield.