Tyler Roberts a doubt for the rest of the season at Shrewsbury Town

Both of those players picked up injuries, hamstring and hip respectively, as Salop lost 2-1 to Millwall at Greenhous Meadow on Tuesday.

That was the fourth successive League One defeat for Town – who currently occupy the fourth and final relegation place, two points from safety.

When asked for an update on West Bromwich Albion loanee Roberts and full-back Riley, Hurst said: "They are certainly big doubts. Tyler, I think, is almost certainly out. With Joe, I think we are pushing it realistically."

Attacker Roberts, 18, has netted four times in 13 games since joining on loan from Albion. Hurst knows he cannot be rushed back and, with five games left, he said: "We haven't got that long left, that's the issue.

"West Brom are having a look at him as well so what no one wants to do is make things a hell of a lot worse, or make him be out for a lot longer than he needs to be.

"Fingers crossed, it's not quite the end for Tyler at Shrewsbury Town but, realistically, we are probably going to miss him for a few games now."We have five left and fingers crossed, we can get him back for one or two."

Hurst has another injury concern for the game against Dale as midfielder Gary Deegan did not train on Thursday.

The Shrews chief – who welcomes back Ryan Yates from suspension – was due to assess his fitness in training today.

"Deegs has got a knock, we'll have to see how that is when he's on it properly," Hurst said.

"There will have to be a couple of changes to the squad. There's a couple of lads that still haven't been involved so it may be their opportunity to come in.

"Depending on how the game is going or injuries – as we saw the other night, Jack (Grimmer) comes on and did well.

"He will more than likely get the opportunity to start the game so we are looking for those lads to be ready."

He added: "It's the reason why they do the work, away from the team – before and after games. It's not a punishment, it's so they are ready.

"Hopefully everyone is ready to play their part if called upon.