Ikpeazu has stiff ankle but is expected to be fit

Uche Ikpeazu is expected to shake off a stiff ankle to lead the Alex front line at Crawley on Saturday. The on-loan Watford forward will not train today but will re-join the group on Thursday after undergoing treatment.

Ikpeazu has not rolled his ankle, as he did after making his debut for the club against Bradford and the injury is not thought to be anything serious. The club are taking a precautionary path with the towering striker to make sure he will be fit for the final six matches of the season.

Ikpeazu has scored twice since signing on loan for the remainder of the season. Crewe boss Steve Davis will also check on club captain Abdul Osman, who has been unwell this week before he decides on his squad for the Crawley trip.

Crewe will be without Harry Davis (knee), Ryan Colclough (hernia) and Max Clayton (ankle).

Steve told the club’s official web-site: “We are in decent shape with only the three main players out for any length of time. Uche has a stiff ankle, but we are sure he will fine to train Thursday and be ready for the weekend.

“He hasn’t rolled it or anything as serious, we are just being careful with him.

He added: “Abdul has been ill so we will check on him later this week before we decide on who we will take to Crawley on Friday. The likes of George Ray and Ollie Turton are back and playing for the Under-21s now so it may be time to bring one or two different faces back into it.”