ALEX GIVE UPDATE ON INJURED PLAYERS

CREWE Alexandra have given an update on injured players Christopher Long, Charlie Finney and Conor Thomas who are being carefully monitored in order to get them in the right shape for the start of 2024/25.

That’s according to Assistant Manager Ryan Dicker, who says the trio have individual training programmes.

Thomas, who had a calf problem towards the end of last term, played 45 minutes of the 5-0 friendly win at Newcastle Town on Saturday but the other two were not involved.

Dicker said: “Chris Long had an injury at the back end of last season and we are probably being overly-cautious with him, because we want to make sure he’s available for the first game of the season.

“He’s had a different training programme to the rest of the group and that’s also been the case with Conor Thomas, although he is slightly further down the line than Longy.

“Charlie Finney had an operation on both calves last season and he needs to strengthen those muscles to make sure he doesn’t keep getting reactions. We are monitoring him and being careful.”

Another player making good progress is Jack Powell, who has been sidelined since October due to a serious knee injury.

Dicker added: “Jack is on track and doing a lot more pitch-based stuff. He will be available for selection in the early part of the season if things continue to go as they are at the moment.”