Defender back from slight injury as he aims to catch-up.

Centre-half Ben Nugent is set to make his return from injury during Crewe Alexandra’s double header against Altrincham this evening and Hednesford Town tomorrow evening. Nugent has missed the club’s last four friendly matches due to a slight knee injury but the former Cardiff City man has successfully come through training and is available for selection.

Steve Davis may look to give him minutes on the pitch at Moss Lane tonight and then start him against Hednesford Town tomorrow night. He will get as long as he can manage as he plays catch-up on his match fitness.

George Ray is also training and is likely to play the full 90 minutes at Hednesford, as well as travelling to Altrincham this evening as part of our strong Crewe Alexandra squad.

Steve told the club’s official web-site: “Ben is fine now. He had some trouble with the outside of his knee but he is okay now and training well.

“He has been doing some work with Rob (Sharp) and it has really settled down. He has trained over the last few days and he is available again. I could bring him on this evening and it is possible that he will start at Hednesford tomorrow night and we will try to give him 60, 65, 70 minutes.

 He added: “The same applies to George. He came on against Bolton and we will look to give him a full 90 minutes on Wednesday.”