David Artell had told the club’s official website that the injury set-back suffered by Ryan Wintle is a 'massive blow' to the young midfielder and to his Crewe Alexandra squad.

Wintle suffered a stress fracture of the tibia during our 5-0 defeat to Carlisle United and our worst fears were confirmed as we travelled to face Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday evening.

Wintle has made 11 appearances this season and has really established himself under David Artell as manager.

Artell told crewealex.net: “Ryan has a stress fracture, so he will be out for an extended period. It is a massive blow for the lad and a massive blow for us.

“It leaves us a bit short in midfield numbers with Jonah (James Jones) out as well. We have had a bad week on the pitch and the injury to Ryan capped it off.

“When you are down on the floor, you sometimes get one or two kicks to go with it, but we will dust ourselves and go again.”