Ryan Dicker has reported mixed news from the treatment room at Crewe Alexandra.

Midfielder Joel Tabiner, who has been sidelined since October with an ankle injury, has suffered no setbacks as he steps up his rehabilitation programme.

But the outlook for defender Zac Williams looks less positive, as his ankle problems continue.

Assistant Manager Dicker said: "It’s very positive on Joel Tabiner.

"This is his second week of running and he’s had no setbacks. He will continue working with the physio department this week to build up his load, and next week he will be with (Head of Sports Science) Joe Phillips a bit more, to take the next step.

"As long as all goes well, he will hopefully be back with us after that.  

"But it’s really disappointing news with Zac Williams. He had a scan earlier this week and it’s not good.

"He’s now got to see a specialist to clear up exactly what it is. It’s been another freak accident – he landed funny doing his rehab work – and it looks a lot worse than we expected."

Jack Powell (knee) and Owen Lunt (back) remain on the long-term injury list.