Finnish striker rated as doubt after suffering injury at Doncaster

Crewe Alexandra striker Lauri Dalla Valle is rated as doubtful for tomorrow’s trip to Barnsley. The Finnish striker was on the receiving end of a hefty whack on the hip from Doncaster Rovers defender Andy Butler just minutes after replacing Nickly Ajose as a substitute at the Keepmoat Stadium.

Steve revealed to the club’s official web-site: “Lauri is a doubt. He took a whack on Tuesday night when he came on and has been struggling because he is badly bruised. I think he got a knee in the back and it was a sore one.

“Everyone else is getting there, apart from Matt Tootle, Ryan Colclough and young Fraser Murdoch. The others have recovered now and are available for selection.

“Ness had a virus but h got through the game on Tuesday. He wanted to play, but he was bad with it for 48 hours or so. He managed to finish the game and has recovered. He is fine now and trained without any problems.”

Crewe could have midfielder Chris Atkinson and defender Jon Guthrie available for selection for the trip to Oakwell after both have overcome knee problems.