Crewe Alexandra boss David Artell has confirmed that George Ray will be 'out for a considerable amount of time’ after the latest scan on his back indicated that his fracture has not totally healed.

It is a blow to the defender and the club after Ray had begun running as part of his rehab. Ray has not played since April and has been told by the consultant to take two months complete rest.

Artell told crewealex.net: “George’s scan has shown that the fracture has not totally healed and that is why he has been getting discomfort with it when he runs. He has been told to have a period of complete rest. He will be out for a considerable amount of time. It’s two months of not doing too much.

“George will get his head around it but it is not easy. I couldn’t do much for five months when I suffered an Achilles injury and it is horrible. When you haven’t played for a while, it does get to you.

“He is a bubbly character and a leader. I want him around the place. He came to the game at Grimsby on Saturday and he is more than welcome to come to all of them. He is a great lad around the players.

“He has got to get his head up and do everything he can to get back. We will be careful with him because the back is connected to everything.”