Baudet set for early Alex return

Captain Julian Baudet's hamstring injury is not as bad as first feared.

Crewe Alexandra duo Julian Baudet and Tom Pope are fit again and back in contention for Friday night's trip to Tranmere Rovers.

Skipper Baudet, who lasted just 43 minutes of the 3-2 midweek defeat at Yeovil, has had a scan which revealed no long-term hamstring problem.

Joint top scorer Tom Pope has also resumed training following an illness that kept him out of the Yeovil game.

Tuesday night's latest defeat sent the Alex to the bottom of League One.

And Steve Holland's men, who have not won in eight games now since 13 September, head for Prenton Park on the back of a poor record on their travels.

They have not won away from Gresty Road now since last season's trip to Yeovil in April.