George Ray is running normally again after finishing his rehab work on the gravity treadmill in Manchester. The centre-half is able to run on grass now and continues to work on his fitness levels during daily gym sessions.

Ray has not featured for the first team since fracturing his back at Yeovil on Easter Monday.

Crewe boss David Artell told us: “George has finished his work on the treadmill in Manchester. He has been running on the gravity treadmill to support his back and he has been stepping that up with each session. He has been running at 65%, 75%, 85%, 95% and then without it.

“He is now running normally again and I would say he is targeting late January for a possible return. Saying that he has been out for a long time now and we have to be careful with him. We will increase his work load as we go on but we will remain cautious to make sure he is right before he resumes full training.”