Club captain George Ray has been able to participate in restricted training after suffering a rib injury in training last week.

Ray was forced to miss the 3-2 win over Tranmere Rovers at the weekend with Perry Ng handed the captain’s armband in his absence.

David Artell has not ruled out Ray being available for the trip to Crawley Town this weekend if he can successfully train with contact on Thursday and Friday.

The Crewe boss told the club’s official website: “George wasn’t fit and we didn’t want to take any chances with him.

“He has been able to train in a restricted capacity and he will have to return to training in a full capacity by the end of the week of he is to considered to travel.

“We have enough cover at centre-half to not take any unnecessary risks. We have Perry and Eddie who played at the weekend. Michael Raynes has been unfortunate not to played more games than he has.

“We have Nicky Hunt who can slip in there and Corey (Whelan) has played there for Liverpool Under 23s, so we have a number who can come in and do a good job for the team.”