Alex boss remains confident that new signing Chris Atkinson will be fit for the start of the season

Crewe Alexandra’s new summer signing Chris Atkinson is expected to be fit for the new season. The former Huddersfield Town midfielder was precautionary withdrawn just after half-time against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday after complaining of a tight hamstring. He was replaced by Lee Molyneux in the club’s narrow 1-0 defeat to the League One champions.

August.^thManager Steve Davis admits that Atkinson may have played one game too many after missing the start of the pre-season following his release from the Terriers, but he is hopeful that the 22-year-old will be fit to start the season against Fleetwood on 9

Steve told crewealex.net: “Chris was complaining that his hamstring was a bit tight against Wolves and we considered taking him at half-time but he wanted to play on. It was more than a little tight, he has suffered a slight strain.

“It was probably too much too soon for him because he has come into the pre-season later than the rest. It isn’t too serious and we remain hopeful that he will be available for the opening game. There is a doubt there but he has been on the bike today and says that it has settled down nicely, so we are confident he will be fine.”