Zac Williams will resume full training next week if he gets the green light from a specialist today (Thursday).

That’s according to Ryan Dicker, who is hopeful Crewe Alexandra will soon be able to count on the defender – who has missed three weeks due to an ankle injury.

The Assistant Manager also provided updates on Joel Tabiner (ankle), Lewis Leigh (illness) and trialist J’Neil Bennett.

Dicker said: "Zac has gone to see a specialist today and, if he gets the all clear, he will be back training from Monday with a view to being in contention for the following Saturday.

"Joel is recovering but it is slower than we were hoping. He is due start running on Monday but, because of the length of time he has been out, we'd be looking at a three-week turnaround before he is involved in games.  

"Unfortunately, Lewis has been ill. He played for the Under-21s on Monday – we just thought it was a good opportunity to get some minutes into his legs and it was a chance for us to have a close look at him.

"But he was off ill on Tuesday and Wednesday. He’s back with us today and hopefully he’ll be back on the training pitch. 

"J'Neil picked up a little injury before Christmas and has still not recovered. So, it is a setback for him but when he is better, we will resume with him."

Meanwhile, Matus Holicek is back in full training after being out since late-October with a groin problem. Charlie Finney (calves) is progressing well after surgery.

Jack Powell (knee) is expected to miss the rest of the season, while Owen Lunt (back) is still some way off a return.