Crewe Alexandra vs Gillingham preview - Dalla Valle set for Alex start

Lauri Dalla Valle appears ready to finally make his first appearance as a full-time Crewe player against Gillingham.

The former Railwaymen loanee rejoined the club at the start of December but has had to wait to take to the field because of an ankle injury.

The Alex had a weekend off during the previous round of fixtures and are set to recall Adam Dugdale (knee), although fellow defender George Ray remains suspended.

Matt Tootle (ankle) is still out while Brad Inman has not trained because of illness and Ryan Colclough (pelvis) is further away.

Gillingham could hand a debut to striker John Marquis.

The Millwall youngster has joined the Gills on a one-month loan deal and will be added to the squad.

Aaron Morris is a doubt with a hamstring strain so Gavin Hoyte is poised to deputise at right-back again, as he did in the 4-2 Johnstone's Paint Trophy defeat by Bristol City in midweek.

Amine Linganzi (hamstring) will miss out again while Callum Davies (foot) is a long-term absentee.