Shrewsbury Town’s hopes of a late-season lift have been dealt a significant setback after head coach Michael Appleton confirmed that Leo Castledine will not feature again for the club this campaign.
The 19-year-old midfielder, on loan from Premier League giants Chelsea, has been sidelined with a stress fracture in his lower back since January, and Appleton has now put to rest any suggestions of a return before the end of the season.
Castledine’s Campaign Cut Short
Castledine last appeared in the side during the narrow 1-0 defeat to Charlton Athletic at the end of January. At that point, there was still hope from the Salop camp that he could play some part in the remaining fixtures. However, Appleton has clarified that the injury has ruled him out for good, bringing an early conclusion to his loan spell in Shropshire.
The teenager had shown promise across 26 appearances for Town, scoring twice in the process, including goals against Leyton Orient and Mansfield. His energetic displays and eye for goal had made him a bright spark in a campaign otherwise marked by inconsistency.
“He has gone back to Chelsea. It looks like his season is probably sort of done from an injury point of view. Which is a shame because he has got quality, as a lot of those young players from the top clubs have.
“I think we have been a bit unfortunate as far as injuries go. Obviously Vadaine is still looking doubtful this season, but there is a little bit of a glimmer of hope, which I touched on last week, that he might make the last game or two.”
Castledine joined Shrewsbury on a season-long loan last summer and quickly became a regular starter. His absence has been felt in a side that has struggled to maintain possession and creativity in midfield since his departure.
Salop are currently winless in their last 11 matches and welcome Reading to the Croud Meadow in midweek as Appleton continues to search for his first victory since taking charge. The team’s lack of form and ongoing injury woes have compounded what has been a difficult period for the club, both on and off the pitch.
Writer’s view
Castledine’s early return to Chelsea is a blow not just in terms of squad depth but also morale. His performances showed maturity beyond his years, and he was one of the few players offering a spark during a challenging season. Appleton now faces a tough task to plug that creative gap in midfield – particularly with Vadaine Oliver also a major doubt. With survival almost impossible and pressure mounting, Shrewsbury’s injury luck couldn’t have turned at a worse time.
