Boss says he will remain cautious with his injured players.

David Artell has told the club’s official web-site that he has not set Mansfield on the opening day of the season as a deadline for his injured players.

The Alex boss is hoping to have Chris Porter, Brad Walker and Tom Lowery available for the season opener at Gresty Road but the likes of James Jones, Jordan Bowery and George Ray have not featured in pre-season due to their injuries.

Although they are progressing, the trio remain doubts to face the Stags, but Artell says that he will not risk anyone in the opening month of the season because he does not want them to suffer any set-backs.

Artell told the club’s official web-site: “Our injured players are getting there, some quicker than others. We are not rushing them. The Mansfield game is not a deadline. When they are fit and ready is when they will be considered for selection.

“I won’t take any risks with them. The most important thing is that they can play as many games as they can. If they miss the first one or two, there will still be 50 games to consider. It is as simple as that.

“I don’t want them to rush back and suffer a set-back and be out for a longer period. It’s a long season.”