Crewe handed blow as vice-captain is ruled out of Bristol clash due to minor knee injury

Vice-captain Adam Dugdale is out of tomorrow’s home game with Bristol City after jarring his knee in training this week. With Matt Tootle also ruled out with a quad injury, there will be a new captain to lead the Railwaymen out tomorrow with Dugdale’s obvious replacement Alan Tate, Harry Davis and experienced midfielder Anthony Grant in possible contention for the armband.

Dugdale’s injury is not thought to be major but could yet rule the Liverpool-born defender out of our Boxing Day trip to Oldham Athletic and the visit of Preston North End two days later.

Tootle aggravated a thigh muscle on his return for the club’s Elite Development Squad on Tuesday. The right-back was forced out just after the hour mark in our friendly encounter with Burnley.

Crewe are also likely to be without Brad Inman and Jon Guthrie, as they are struggling with illness. Guthrie has returned to the club today after feeling a little better but Inman has not and is being monitored by the club doctor.

Tate, who’s loan agreement from Swansea City is set to expire on Christmas Eve is expected to replace Dugdale if the Alex boss elects to continue with the three at the back system.