Crewe Alexandra manager Lee Bell has confirmed that Reece Hutchinson is fit for selection ahead of the club's match against Rochdale on Saturday at 3pm. Mickey Demetriou could also be available for the game at Mornflake Stadium, though Bell indicated he may not feature until Tuesday or the following Saturday.
Hutchinson has completed two weeks of training with the group and is ready to be selected if Bell decides to include him. "Reece is up to fitness, so it's a decision we'll have to make," Bell said. "He's done two weeks with the group and the opportunity is there for us to select him if we want to."
On Demetriou's return, Bell added: "Mickey will hopefully be with us on Saturday, and if not, Tuesday or the following Saturday. It's positive because we are short on back players, but we've obviously got Stan Dancey who's champing at the bit for his chance, and that opportunity will come for him. It's nice to be able to get these two players back and have a healthy-looking bench."
Other fitness updates
Jack Lankester, sidelined with a calf injury, is expected back in the squad before long. "Jack was showing the type of form we wanted him to be in. It won't be too long before we get him back in the fold," Bell said.
Owen Taylor, who has undergone a groin operation, is progressing well in his recovery. "Owen had an operation on his groin area and he's moving along nicely. We're desperate to get him back into the group because it is his first year as a pro and he's going to be a decent player," Bell added.
Tickets for the Crewe v Rochdale match are available to purchase online.