Bury v Crewe preview

Team news for Friday's League One clash between Bury and Crewe Alexandra at Gigg Lane.

Tom Soares could hand Bury an unexpected fitness boost by returning to action. The former Crystal Palace and Stoke midfielder was understood to be facing the remainder of the season on the sidelines after suffering a haematoma - severe bleeding from a hamstring injury sustained in the defeat to Crawley at the start of this month. News of Soares' possible return hands a much-needed boost to boss Kevin Blackwell, who learned this week that winger Craig Jones will miss the rest of the campaign with torn hamstring and thigh muscles. Nicky Ajose is in contention to start in Jones' absence, having replaced the 23-year-old after 35 minutes of Saturday's 4-1 defeat to Bournemouth. Ajose was one of only four substitutes at Blackwell's disposal against the Cherries and Jones joins Phil Picken (knee), Adam Lockwood (groin) and Shane Byrne (blood infection) among the Shakers' long-term victims. Nathan Ellington is a major injury doubt for Crewe. The veteran striker suffered a knee injury during the first half of Tuesday night's 2-0 defeat at Crawley and will be assessed. Mathias Pogba is an option for boss Steve Davis in Ellington's expected absence having returned from international duty with Guinea. Defender Gregor Robertson was another casualty against the Red Devils and is sidelined with an Achilles problem, with Matt Tootle expected to come in at full-back having come on as a half-time replacement at the Broadfield Stadium. On-loan Newcastle youngster Brad Inman is back in contention for the first time since injuring his ankle against Hartlepool last month but fellow midfielder and captain Luke Murphy (groin) will miss out.