Scan reveals no ankle ligament damage for striker.

Club captain Ryan Lowe has been ruled out of this weekend’s clash with league leaders Plymouth Argyle. The club’s leading scorer with seven goals was forced off in our defeat to Chesterfield on Tuesday evening with an ankle and this weekend’s home game against Derek Adams’ in-form Pilgrims has come too early for the experienced forward.

Lowe, 38, joins fellow strike partner Chris Dagnall on the sidelines after he suffered a tear in his calf against Cheltenham Town in the FA Cup. The boss has revealed that he may have an outside chance to be involved in the replay on Tuesday evening.

Alex boss Steve Davis has to choose between giving young forwards Callum Saunders and Daniel Udoh another opportunity to stake their claim or perhaps change the system ahead of the current league leaders arriving in South Cheshire.

Steve told the club’s official web-site: “It was a blow to lose Ryan on Tuesday and frustrating that both he and Chris (Dagnall) are both out at the same time. We are not as strong as we could be but it gives others in the squad a chance.

"A scan has shown no ligament damage, just swelling and soreness so we are hopeful that he not be out for long.

“Injuries are going to occur in football and you cannot expect to go through the season without them. You are going to lose players and that is why you have a squad. They have to be ready and it’s up to them to take that opportunity.

“Ryan shouldn’t be too long but this weekend has come too quickly for him.”