Chris Long suffers fresh setback ahead of Crewe’s game against Newport

Crewe suffered a setback ahead of their Sky Bet League Two clash against Newport with the news Chris Long needs ankle surgery.

The striker has managed only 20 minutes of football this season and has now been told he must go under the knife and faces at least three months out.

Midfielder Callum Ainley (shoulder) is hoping to be playing again in early January while striker Courtney Baker-Richardson will be out for longer having had surgery on a hamstring problem.

The game comes in the week Lee Bell was made permanent manager after winning three of his four games in temporary charge.

Newport have no new injury problems.

Offrande Zanzala has returned to training after recovering from a hamstring injury but is still several weeks away from full fitness.

Defender James Clarke is likely to remain sidelined after a minor knee operation while midfielder Aaron Wildig (back) is also still working his way back.

County will hope to bounce back after the disappointment of last weekend’s late FA Cup loss to Derby.