A Crewe Alexandra midfielder has been ruled out of action for 'about three months' with a dislocated shoulder - after going off injured in the last match.

Crewe's were defeated 2-1 home at home to Mansfield Town on Saturday (September 24) - with Callum Ainley being substituted in the 62nd-minute for Rio Adebisi.

The 24-year-old attacking midfielder is in need of an operation after sustaining bone and ligament damage to his shoulder.

Callum Ainley is currently League Two's second-highest assister with four (Kevin Warburton).

Featuring in all 10 League Two matches this season - Ainley is currently the division's second-highest assister with four.

Crewe Alexandra manager, Alex Morris confirmed the injury news today (September 27).

Morris told Crewe Alexandra's website: "Callum had a consultation with a specialist yesterday (Monday) and it's the worst-case scenario, unfortunately.

"He's going to be out for about three months.

"We were hoping his dislocation could have been just clicked back into place, as it was on Saturday, without further complications.

Crewe Alexandra manager, Alex Morris, confirmed Callum Ainley's injury today - September 27 (Kevin Warburton).

"But, It's caused problems with both ligaments and bones, so he will have to undergo an operation."

Ainley is now Crewe's 18th highest appearance holder - just behind the likes of Bob Scott and Bert Swindells.

The 5'8" academy graduate started the campaign strongly. He has not been as affective in recent matches.

After achieving nine points from the first four matches, Crewe have only managed six in the last six.

Morris added: Oli (Finney) is about four weeks away, and on top of that we are missing Charlie Colkett (hamstring) and Christopher Long (ankle), so that's four senior players we are without at the moment.

Crewe's were defeated 2-1 home at home to Mansfield Town on Saturday (September 24) - with Callum Ainley being substituted in the 62nd-minute for Rio Adebisi (Ryan Parker).

"But we all know that it is part and parcel of football to get injuries throughout the season, so we just have to find solutions."

NEXT UP: Crewe Alexandra face an away trip to Carlisle United this Saturday (October 1).

READ MORE: Former Crewe vicar released from prison after breaching High Court injunction.

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