Steve Davis says a fortnight off has allowed him to get some of his players back from injury and illness

Steve Davis has told the club’s official web-site that the two-week break has allowed him to welcome back members of his squad for the start of 2015.

Adam Dugdale is fit and available again after overcoming a knee injury, which kept him out of the festive fixtures and striker Lauri Dalla Valle made his comeback from an ankle injury in the Development squad’s defeat at Sheffield Wednesday on Monday.

Crewe Alexandra will be without Club Captain Matt Tootle, who has suffered an ankle ligament injury after going over on his ankle in training last Friday. Tootle still has severe bruising around the ankle bone but it is hoped he will be able to train at some point next week.

Illness will keep out Brad Inman, Billy Waters and Callum Saunders as they struggle to overcome a flu/stomach virus and defender George Ray will serve the second game of his suspension following his red card against Oldham on Boxing Day.

Steve said: “We have had two weeks without a game and it has given us some time to work with the players and make sure they get their rest and recuperation in as well.

“It has allowed us to welcome back some of our players and for others to overcome some knocks they may have picked up after playing those three games in a short period of time.”