Crewe Alexandra will be without injured trio, George Ray, James Jones and Conor Grant for this weekend’s trip to the league leaders Exeter City. George Ray is still weeks away from a return from his back injury and although he is making significant progress from his pelvic injury, midfielder James Jones will not resumed full-time training until next week at the earliest.

On-loan midfielder Conor Grant will not be risked two weeks after he suffered concussion in a clash with Mitch Rose at Grimsby. Grant has missed the club’s last two matches, but will be available for next weekend’s home game against Carlisle United.

Midfielder Callum Ainley has given the manager food for thought over his selection following the impact he made as a second half substitute in Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat to Cambridge United. Ainley provided a threat after replacing Tom Lowery with just under half an hour left.