Crewe Alexandra has received some welcome news on the eve of the new EFL season with the news that experienced campaigner Michael Raynes returned to full training.

The centre-half has not featured in pre-season as he recovers from the knee injury that ended his campaign towards its climax last time out.

The club’s medical staff have been managing Raynes, 30, back to full fitness and he has successfully returned to training with his teammates.

Artell told the club’s official website: “Michael has returned to training, so that’s good news. He won’t train today but that is because we are managing him because he has missed a lot of football. He isn’t injured again or anything like that. We are just being careful with him when managing the load he will need at this stage.

“Joe (Lynch) has also trained after his injury and looks fine. He just needs some games now.

“We hope that Owen (Dale) will return sometime next week. He is still only three and half weeks post op. “

The boss also added that striker Shaun Miller has been for a scan after suffering a slight knee injury. The club are awaiting the results.