Crewe Alexandra youngster Owen Dale has undergone a double hernia operation, but it is hoped that he will be available for some of the club’s pre-season matches. Dale made eight substitute appearances at first-team level last season before he had a successful loan spell at Witton Albion.

The pacey forward is expected to have a chance to stake a claim for a role back in the first team squad before another possible loan spell is considered.

First year professional Joe Lynch is also 2-3 weeks away after suffering a broken bone in his foot towards the tail end of last season.