Cambridge United attacking midfielder Josh Stokes in line to return to squad for crucial League One game against Shrewsbury at the Abbey Stadium

Cambridge United are set to be boosted for tomorrow’s crunch League One clash against Shrewsbury Town by the return of Josh Stokes.

The attacking midfielder, who is on loan with the U’s from Bristol City, has been sidelined since the middle of September with a knee injury.

His recovery was recently hindered by a small reaction suffered during an outing for his parent club’s Under-21 side, but the 20-year-old is now expected to be a part of the squad for tomorrow’s encounter at the Cledara Abbey Stadium.

“Any player being back at the moment is a boost but of course Josh has got quality,” said United head coach Garry Monk. “We saw that when he arrived in the small amount of games that he did play.

“He was assisting and creating so to have someone of his ability – even if he’s not at his full fitness yet – and he’s ready to contribute, that’s a real plus for us.

“It will be a boost to the team and the players knowing that we have that type of player back involved. He can help us win games.”

As well as Stokes, fellow loanee Emmanuel Longelo is likely to return to the squad after missing Tuesday’s 3-0 defeat at Reading.

However, Sullay Kaikai is not expected to return from the knee problem that he sustained during the FA Cup loss to Wigan Athletic earlier this month.

The U’s go into this weekend’s clash with a five-point gap to safety, although they are two points better off than their opponents, who recently appointed Gareth Ainsworth as their new manager.