New summer signing withdrawn after tight hamstring

New summer signing Chris Atkinson was replaced against Wolverhampton Wanderers at the weekend after complaining of a tight hamstring. The former Huddersfield Town midfielder was replaced by Lee Molyneux early on in the second half as boss Steve Davis took no chances with him.

Crewe were already without Anthony Grant due to the head injury he suffered against Macclesfield the previous Tuesday. Grant has fully recovered after being knocked unconscious for 30 seconds after receiving a stray boot to the head in Crewe’s 1-0 defeat at the Moss Rose. He is expected to be involved at Southport tomorrow evening.

Steve told crewealex.net: “Chris felt his hamstring tighten up early up in the second half so we didn’t take any chances with him. He has missed a large chunk of the pre-season, so we will introduce him gradually and be cautious.

“We don’t want anyone suffering a set-back so close to the new season.

(Fleetwood) and cannot afford too many injuries.^th“Granty had concussion at Macclesfield, so the five day rule meant we couldn’t play him. We wouldn’t take any risks with any of our players when it comes to a head injury and he is fine. We need him for the 9

He added: “With the likes of Granty, Harry (Davis) and Ryan (Colclough) back and in the team then that would obviously strength us.”