Midfielder set for recall against flying Cherries

Crewe Alexandra’s competitive midfielder Abdul Osman has successfully come through training this week and is in line for a recall against Bournemouth this weekend. Osman missed last weekend’s hard fought 1-0 win over Bury after twisting his knee at Bury, but the former Northampton man has suffered no reaction this week to declare himself fit.

Striker AJ Leitch-Smith (ankle) and Kelvin Mellor (knee) have continued to improve their fitness levels and could be included in the squad. Defender Mellor has more of a chance than Leitch-Smith, who has missed more football after suffering his injury at Portsmouth back in mid-October.

Ollie Turton is still struggling with a thigh muscle injury after picking up the injury at Preston, while veteran goalkeeper Steve Phillips is making steadily progress from his recent shin and ankle injury, sustained against Doncaster Rovers in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.