LUKE Offord won't play any part in Crewe's remaining four games of the season after being hit by another serious hamstring injury.

The 21-year-old defender had only just fought his way back to fitness in the last month after a similar injury sustained in January, but he went down early in Tuesday night's 2-0 win at Fleetwood.

The tear is understood to be of similar severity to that which he suffered earlier in the year and Alex boss Dave Artell confirmed: "That's him done [for the season]. It's not good, it's a different leg that what he did before .

"But it's a very similar injury."

Offord featured in a back three at Fleetwood as Artell made an unorthodox change to his defensive system.

On-loan defender Nathan Wood also failed to finish the game, but the Middlesbrough loanee has escaped with a bruised leg and will be assessed for tomorrow's visit of Rochdale (K.O 3pm), and in any case Crewe have Omar Beckles available again at the back after suspension.

Artell says he had to quell the enthusiasm of midfielder Oli Finney from pushing for a place against Dale, despite only this week resuming training after his February leg break.

Finney has had the all clear from his latest scan and has been out running. Crewe would welcome his return as he was in fine form before succumbing to a reckless tackle at Shrewsbury, but Artell noted: "Oli thinks he's fit for tomorrow, but he's not quite ready - he's not kicked a ball yet.

"He's managed two sessions this week and he's not felt any discomfort around the fracture. But hopefully he'll be back before the end of the season."

Relegation-haunted Rochdale have compiled three consecutive wins and Artell says, while he won't be extending any favours at Gresty Road tomorrow, he hopes Brian Barry-Murphy's side escape the drop.

"Rochdale have had a good run, particularly at home. I like Brian and if there is one team I'd want to stay up it's them," said the manager.

"The way they play and the resources they have are very similar to us. They are having a right good go. They've had a tough season, but they're hitting a bit of form and we know we are in for another tough game."