Crewe Alexandra boss David Artell remained guarded on the possibility of some of his injured players returning for this weekend’s FA Cup tie with Blackburn Rovers. The Alex boss would only state that his injured trio of Michael Raynes, Zoumana Bakayogo and Tom Lowery are all making strides in their quest to return to fitness but said if ‘they are fit then they will be considered’.
Raynes has missed the club’s last three games after suffering a groin injury. He has not featured since scoring in the 4-1 defeat to Lincoln City on 11th November. Midfielder Lowery has not played since that fixture either after aggravating a hamstring.
Zoumana Bakayogo missed last weekend’s home defeat to Luton after rolling his ankle in training prior to the fixture. His absence meant a first senior call-up for Luke Offord.
Crewe will certainly be without long-term absentees, George Ray (back), James Jones (pelvis) and Ryan Wintle (fractured tibia)
Artell said: “The recently injured are all progressing. They have been in all week and are working hard. We have a few out at the moment and it would be nice to have one or two back to strength the squad.
“If they are fit then they are fit and will be considered. If not then we got with the ones that are fit and ready. I’m sure everyone will find out when the team-sheets are handed in on Sunday.”