David Artell has told the club’s official website that all our injured players are progressing ahead of schedule and that James Jones and Chris Dagnall are 'quite close' to a return to full training.

The Crewe Alexandra boss has been dealt a dreadful hand when it comes to injuries this season but things are improving ahead of the decisive last few months and he is hoping to have a fully fit squad to choose from going into the run-in.

Artell explained: “The injured players are progressing well and that is credit to them and the work of the new physio, David. They are all working hard and I would say they are all ahead of schedule.

“Daggers and Jonah are running on grass now and are quite close. They are probably two or three weeks away from being available.

“Ports is a bit further along after his ankle operation. He is probably five weeks or so and Ryan is another week on that.

David added: “It would be nice to have a fully fit squad to choose from because we have not had that at this season.”