Harry Pickering undergoes a hernia operation and is expected to be out between 3-6 weeks.

Harry Pickering is expected to be out for between 3-6 weeks after undergoing a hernia operation. The Crewe Alexandra youngster has battled on bravely since the turn of the year but after consulting David Artell and the medical staff, it was believed that Pickering could not be nursed until the end of the season and he would be benefit more from having the surgery.

Artell explained to the club’s official website: “Harry has been nursing the injury for a while and he was prepared to play through the pain barrier for us. He has done terrifically well for us and we thought that perhaps we could nurse him through to the end of the season but it hasn’t been possible.

“We had a chat and we mutually agreed to get it done now. It is a normal hernia and they are fairly routine operations now. The turnaround is usually between 3-6 weeks and it all depends on how quickly they heal.

He added: “He could play again before the end of the season. He will have some time off his family for a few days before he will be back to work.”