Roberts requires operation.

21-year-old Roberts who has had a somewhat colourfull season off the pitch has been playing through the pain barrier for some time. Roberts who came on as a sub in Crewe's 2-0 defeat to Port Vale complained of soreness after the game but the problem is deteriorating and will requre surgery.

Roberts has not trained this week and is now a major doubt ahead of the big six-pointer away at Gillingham and the club will be hoping that surgery can be avoided until the summer.

Steve Holland told the clubs official site "Gary has been struggling with soreness in both his groins for a while now and after further inspection it seems he will require surgery to resolve the problem"

"The diagnosis is that he will need surgery. Hopefully he will be able to delay the operation until the summer if he can remain relatively pain free. If it becomes too uncomfortable or will cause further damage then he will have to cut short his season"