The central defender is recovering from a mysterious illness which manager Micky Adams fears could keep him out for "the forseeable future".

Crosby was admitted to the Royal Sussex County Hospital straight after last Saturday's surprise home defeat by his previous club Chester.

The 26-year-old was released yesterday but faces further tests today. Medical experts believe he is suffering from an inner ear problem.

Crosby had to be helped off the pitch at half time on Saturday by club physio Malcolm Stuart and did not re-appear for the second half .

Adams has now revealed the full horror of the problem affecting his £10,000 summer signing.

"He was complaining that he wasn't well last week," said Adams. "But he declared himself fit on Friday.

"He got a whack in the face early on in the game and the doctors think that might have triggered something off. Then he went up for a free-kick just before half time and he said the stadium was spinning.

"If you can call it lucky it was at least right on half time when he started feeling unwell. It looked to me as though he fainted. He is out for Saturday and the foreseeable future really."

Stuart said: "We believe it is an inner ear problem which disorientates you, but he's got to have some tests done today. He has been fairly ill. He couldn't even sit upright."

Crosby is not Adams' only worry. Chris Wilder is doubtful for the Cheltenham match with an ankle injury and top scorer Darren Freeman has calf and Achilles knocks.

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