Captain Luke Offord looks set to miss the rest of the season after sustaining significant ankle ligament damage.

The 24-year-old suffered the injury during Saturday’s draw with Harrogate Town and is likely to need surgery.

Manager Lee Bell said: “Unfortunately, it’s not good news. We thought he might have broken something but he hasn’t. However, he’s done severe damage to ligaments.

“He will see a specialist and he will likely need surgery. I spoke to him last night and advised him on what I would do in his situation, looking at his career going forward.

“It’s a bitter blow because there hasn’t been many better players in this league than Luke Offord this season.

“He will be a big miss; he is our captain. I’m really gutted for Luke because it looks like he will miss the rest of the season.”

Offord came through the academy ranks at Crewe Alexandra and has made 170 appearances for the Club, scoring three goals.