Walsall v Crewe preview: Tom Bradshaw close to Walsall return

Walsall are hopeful Tom Bradshaw could return against Crewe after missing their defeat to Chelsea.

The seven-goal striker sat out the Saddlers' 4-1 Capital One Cup loss to the holders on Wednesday with a groin injury.

Boss Dean Smith said: "I'm hopeful, he was very close for the game but there's no point risking him with his track record of injuries over the last season."

Isaiah Osbourne remains a doubt after missing the last two games with a knee injury with the midfielder yet to make his Walsall debut.

Second-bottom Crewe have defender Ben Nugent available for the game

Nugent was forced off in the second half of the 1-0 win at Shrewsbury last weekend - the Alex's first win of the season - due to a groin problem but has made a recovery.

Billy Bingham (hamstring) has returned to training but is not likely to be risked.

Fellow midfielder James Jones (shoulder) is also still not ready for selection.