David Artell has told the club’s official website that it is difficult to predict what you might need in the January transfer window because things change very quickly.

The Alex boss has welcomed Ryan Wintle and George Ray back from long-term injury this month, but he also lost midfielder James Jones due to a knee injury. Jones had just resumed full training after missing the entire season due to a hernia and pelvic problem.

The Crewe Alexandra boss then lost the versatile Perry Ng for four games after he was suspended for his involvement in Jabo Ibehre’s late red card at Cambridge United.

George Cooper was sold to Peterborough after the League One side came in for the talented winger and then we lost the experienced strikers Chris Porter and Chris Dagnall due to injury.

Artell told the club’s official website: “As a manager it is difficult to predict what might happen and you have to try and plan for all eventualities. It can change very quickly and you don’t have a crystal ball to see who might get injured or who might be suspended.

“We went into the January window with ideas of what we needed and then injuries can quickly change your priorities.

“I said very early on that we wouldn’t rush into things at the beginning of the month. We had to assess what we needed and I knew we would start to do something in mid-January. There is still a week left and hopefully we can get another one done.

“We are positive and have worked hard all month to find players.”