Christopher Long is in contention to return to the Crewe Alexandra side to face Tranmere Rovers at Mornflake Stadium tomorrow (Saturday, 3pm).

The club’s current leading scorer missed last weekend’s clash at Salford due to a wound on his right foot.

But it has healed sufficiently to allow him to get back in training this week and he is vying for a place in the starting 11.

Assistant Manager Ryan Dicker also provided updates on other players who have been sidelined.

He said: “Chris Long is back in training and will be available for Saturday as long as there are no setbacks.

“Conor Thomas (calf) is back out on the grass but is yet to be integrated back into the group and he will still be another few weeks.

“It was a good challenge for Charlie (Colkett) to get through the 90 minutes in midweek. He is getting closer and closer to coming into contention.”

Crewe are preparing to host a Tranmere side who made a slow start to the season but have taken seven points from the last 12 under interim boss Nigel Adkins.

Dicker added: “It will be a tough game; they have picked up in the last few results. They have changed their system and the way they play.

“Nigel has got them organised and a lot more aggressive which gets them on the front foot. This is what we expect from them.

“There is not a lot between teams in the league which is why it is important that you prepare and perform week in and week out.

“Otherwise, you’ll drop down the table so it is important we bounce back on Saturday. We want to carry on our league form at home so we’ll get on the front foot and come out positively.”