Crewe Alexandra will learn the extent of Christopher Long’s injury setback later today (Monday).

The forward, who has managed only 20 minutes of football this season due to a succession of ankle problems, was hoping to be on the bench for the FA Cup tie at Barnsley on Saturday.

But he limped out of training last week, sparking fears he could be sidelined for another sustained period.

Now Crewe are waiting for scan results and expert opinion.

Alex Morris, assistant manager, said: “He’s had a setback. We don’t know the extent of it but we’ll find out today (Monday).

“After he broke down last time he tried to return, we tried different methods with the medical team to get him back on the pitch, and put him through a mini pre-season.

“The hope was that that would mean he’d hit the ground running.

“But he had a setback in training. Until we get some medical expert opinions and a scan, we can’t be sure whether it is long-term or whether people are worried about nothing. Fingers crossed.”