Crewe Alexandra goalkeeper Dave Richards has been ruled out for the final seven weeks of the 2018/19 season with a shoulder injury.

The 25-year-old had been training & playing through the pain barrier for the Under 23s since first sustaining the problem in the clash with Millwall at The Den earlier this month.

Richards will now have surgery on the problem & will miss the remainder of the campaign.

Will Jaaskelainen has been recalled from his loan spell at Nantwich Town to replace Dave in the matchday 18 & challenge Ben Garratt for the starting spot between the posts.

Dave had started the season in the first XI, appearing in the first five games of the campaign before losing his place to Garratt.

The Club wishes Dave a successful operation & a speedy recovery.