Dave Richards will undergo surgery to repair a finger injury tomorrow (Tuesday).

The keeper needs the operation to fix the little finger on his left hand, after he picked up the painful knock in training last week.

But the good news is that the 28-year-old, who has been handed the number one shirt this term, will not be out of action for long.

Manager Alex Morris said: "Dave has been very unlucky but it’s actually the best possible outcome we could have asked for in the circumstances. He’s hardly ever injured but he twisted his finger back in training and it requires surgery.

"But he's only going to be out for a couple of weeks after the operation, which is great news."

Richards's injury paved the way for Arsenal loan man Arthur Okonkwo to make his debut in Saturday's 2-1 victory at Rochdale.

Alex admitted Crewe had a slice of fortune because the highly-rated 20-year-old wasn't due at the club for another week.

He added: "We had some luck because Arthur wasn’t due in until August 8, but the day before Dave got the injury, we got the green light that Arthur could come early.

"It fell into place rather nicely and sometimes you need that bit of luck. Arthur's got a first win on his debut which I’m sure he will be delighted about."