CREWE could have Chris Long back in contention for Saturday's trip to Fleetwood after the striker put behind him a series of injuries.

Long has only managed two games for the Railwaymen since his summer arrival at the Mornflake Stadium as he has spent protracted periods recovering from knee and ankle injuries.

But Alex assistant manager Kenny Lunt says the 26-year-old is ready to provide a welcome boost to Crewe's scoring threat after returning to training.

"Chris looks really sharp and hopefully he can be involved really soon. He has been very unfortunate and we've been unfortunate not having the chance to play him because we know the qualities he gives to the team," said Lunt.

"Hopefully the injuries are behind him and he can come back into the side and score the goals we want."

Long's departure from the treatment room means only Manchester City loan youngster Ben Knight and Callum Ainley are unavailable to boss Dave Artell.

Knight is estimated to be three weeks away from making a return, while Ainley, who has suffered a hamstring tear, is five weeks away from seeing action again.

Crewe have lost only once in their last eight games in all competitions, but securing only one win in their 11 League One games to date has left them third from bottom of the table.

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The cancellation of the weekend visit of Doncaster - which has now been rearranged for Tuesday, November 2 - has afforded them time on the training ground.

And Lunt added: "We need to turn draws into wins. There is not many points between us and 14th in the table - a couple of wins and things could change. We've put a lot of work into the players."

Crewe's last game on October 5 saw a much-changed side see off Wigan (2-0) in the Papa John's Trophy, a game in which midfielder Madger Gomes impressed on his debut.

The Spaniard's start at the club has been disrupted by red tape and illness, but he says he is now looking forward to competing for a midfield place.

"I was waiting for my chance and I tried to take it against Wigan," he said. "League One is always hard, I've played in it for the last three years and any team can beat any team. There's big clubs in League One but you don't win because you're a big club, you have to show your quality to win games."