Stoke midfielder could be involved this weekend after short time off with injury.

Crewe Alexandra’s on-loan midfielder Jamie Ness will return to the club for training later today after spending the past week being assessed by his parent club Stoke City following injury. The former Glasgow Rangers man was forced off away at Swindon with a tight hamstring and as a result has missed the club’s last three matches against Gillingham and Bolton and Rochdale in cup matches.

Ness is hoping to resume full training this week and declare himself fit and in contention for this weekend’s derby clash against Port Vale at Gresty Road.

Crewe will be without long term absentees Harry Davis and Ryan Colclough and will have to check on the physical condition of George Ray, Liam Nolan and Marcus Haber after they have returned from International duty with their respective countries.