Cobblers suffer Liam Shaw blow as Nolan delivers mixed injury update

The 24-year-old has not played since suffering a serious knee injury against Barnsley last February but he returned to training last month and was expected to be back involved by now.

However, speaking after his side’s 0-0 draw with Stockport on New Year’s Day, Nolan confirmed that Shaw has suffered a setback. He also gave an update on Town’s other absentees, including Conor McCarthy, Tyrese Fornah, Michael Forbes, Cameron McGeehan and Ethan Wheatley.

"We’re without a few at the moment – Conor McCarthy, Tyrese, Michael Forbes, as well as Cam and Ethan,” said Nolan. “It’s a testing time for us and there’s a lot of games but I’m hoping most of them will be back in the couple of weeks.

"I don’t think we’ll have any of them available for Bolton unless we have a miraculous recovery, which we sometimes get with Cam, but it is what it is and I’m not going to complain about it.

"This time of the season brings injuries and what we have to do is look at the lads that are available and they have to see an opportunity to stake their claim and keep their shirt even when the injured lads come back.”

On Shaw specifically, Nolan said: “Unfortunately Liam has had a bit of a setback on his knee. We’re taking our time with it because we don’t want to force anything but I don’t think he’ll be back with us for another month or so.”