One of Crewe Alexandra FC's star strikers is out of action for "two-to-four weeks" with an ankle injury, confirmed by the club's first-team manager.

Chris Long came off in the first-half on Crewe's pre-season home defeat to Lincoln City (July 22), suffering a "slight" ankle ligament strain.

Manager, Lee Bell, has since confirmed the 28-year-old striker will be missing from the first-team for a couple of weeks.

Crewe Alex manager, Lee Bell, has assured fans Chris Long has not suffered the same ankle injury which kept him out for the majority of the 22/23 season (Crewe Alex).

The boss has assured Alex fans Long has not suffered the same ankle injury which kept him out for the majority of the 22/23 season.

Bell told Crewe Alexandra's website: "He [Long], has sustained a slight strain to one of his ligaments in his ankle – it's nothing that will keep him out for a long time.

"The concern that everybody had – Chris, us, and the fans – was that it would be the same ankle problem that kept him out so long last season; we're all going to be worried aren't we?

"But the scan has shown that it's nothing to do with the old injury, and the schedule we are looking at with him is two-to-four weeks.

"We won't rush him back, we will do it right and look after him.

Chris Long penned a new one-year contract with Crewe Alex earlier this summer (Crewe Alex).

"He's so important to us, the opposition worry about him and he's a goal threat.

"He demands a lot from those around him and he has a lot of quality."

Bell confirmed forward, Courtney Baker-Richardson is back training with the squad after managing a tight groin.

Midfielder, Conor Thomas, is also back with the squad after managing his load, and is expected to feature in the friendly fixture away to Barnsley on Saturday (July 29).

January signing, Elliot Nevitt, 26, is expected to start training again next week.

Crewe Alwex forward, Courtney Baker-Richardson, is back training with the squad after managing a tight groin (Crewe Alex).

Bell added: "Elliott will rejoin the group next week so that's another positive, and Courtney – we have been managing a tight groin with him – is back with the group again now.

"Conor is also with the group now and is getting up to speed and hitting the numbers he needs to hit. Hopefully, we will see him involved at the weekend. 

"We are doing it right – if they are giving us indications of problems we are looking after them. It doesn't mean they aren't working hard off the pitch and in the gym.

"With a smaller squad we have to do things right.

Crewe Alex ,midfielder, Conor Thomas, is back with the squad after managing his load, and is expected to feature in the friendly fixture away to Barnsley on Saturday (July 29) (Crewe Alex).

"The sports scientists and physios have come up with a brilliant programme and we are following that."

Crewe Alex supporters can purchase their Barnsley tickets at Oakwell Stadium on the gate, with cash or card payment options available.

READ MORE: Couple welcome baby at Crewe hospital after pals rally to raise £8k for IVF.

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