SHAKERS' struggle against relegation has suffered another blow as leading scorer Gareth Seddon looks set to miss their crucial last two fixtures writes Chris Hall

It was hoped that the 21-year-old striker, with seven goals to his credit this season, would return to boost Andy Preece's charges for Saturday's home clash with Colchester and the trip to Peterborough on the final day of the campaign.

But the back problem, which has kept him sidelined since the 2-1 defeat at Brighton last month, is showing no signs of healing and results of a scan taken today are expected to rule him out for the rest of the season. He will not be alone on the treatment table, with young defender Gary Evans also out of contention with a hip injury and Michael Nelson only rated as 50-50 to play this weekend after picking up a hamstring knock at Bristol City.

Influential defender Jamie Stuart should be back after shaking off an ankle injury he suffered over Easter.

Matt Barrass proved his fitness with a 75-minute substitute appearance at Ashton Gate, after a seven-month absence through cruciate ligament damage, and is likely to start on Saturday.

And Bhaichung Bhutia is finally set for a return to first team action after also recovering from a lengthy knee injury. The 25-year-old striker has featured in just three matches this season, the last of which being the 3-0 home loss to Swindon Town last August.

But now, after a string of reserve team appearances, he is ready to answer the club's SOS.