David Artell admits that he is ‘low on numbers’ as he prepares for Saturday’s trip to Carlisle United. The Crewe Alexandra boss is yet to conduct any business in the transfer window and earlier this month, Conor Grant and Sam Stubbs returned to their respective clubs after their loan agreements expired.

With Perry Ng now suspended for four matches following his involvement late on in the Jabo Ibehre dismissal in our defeat at Cambridge and Eddie Nolan struggling with a groin injury, Artell says that he will have to consider his squad selection carefully.

Ahead of our trip to Carlisle, the boss said: “We are a low on numbers. We have Perry suspended and Eddie has been struggling with a groin injury. We will have to see how he is.

“We have one or two with knocks but I’m sure they will train and be fine for the weekend.  

“We have a Cheshire Senior Cup game at Runcorn and I am keeping my fingers crossed that we don’t suffer any more injuries. I am not going to bleat too much about it but we have not had too much luck with injuries this season. It is just something we have to get on with but there might be one or two youngsters on the bench on Saturday.”