Crewe Alexandra manager Lee Bell says midfielder Jack Powell will be eased back into action after a year on the sidelines.

Powell has not played since picking up a serious knee injury against Stockport in October 2023 but could return for Crewe's under-21 side this Monday.

The 30-year-old joined from League Two rivals Crawley in June 2023 and managed just 17 appearances before injury ended his debut season with Alex.

"We've got to manage Jack Powell," Bell told BBC Radio Stoke.

"It will be excellent to see him on the pitch next week and the week after with the under-21s, but that will be managed.

"He will be champing at the bit to be involved in the first team, but we've got to look after him."

Bell also said the club were "doing everything" to discover what was to blame for their lengthy injury list.

Forward Omar Bogle is due to return soon from a calf problem which has limited him to three substitute appearances since his summer move from Newport.

The Alex also soon hope to have midfielder Conor Thomas and forward Chris Long back after hamstring issues.

"We're exploring everything for why we are picking up these types of injuries," Bell added.

"It's a small squad so people have to churn out some minutes, but we are investigating it and really looking into why that is happening."