David Artell says it has been an ‘extremely tough’ time in isolation for our on-loan forward, Chuma Anene, but the Crewe Alexandra boss says that the popular Norwegian will cope better than most because of his immense experience of being out on loan throughout his career.

When deputising for the injured Chris Porter this season Anene became an instant cult hero with the Crewe faithful by scoring 9 goals from his 34 appearances thus far (18 as a substitute).

The 26-year-old has already played in Russia, Denmark and Kazakhstan and is used to being away from his young family – but Artell still believes it has been difficult for his forward since the outbreak of the coronavirus, as he is in insolation on his own.

David told the club’s official website: “It has been extremely difficult for him and I’ve spoken to him more than most because he has been on his own. Just to see how he is and how he is coping.

“He has that experience of being on loan before. He has been in Russia and Kazakhstan, so he is used to it. He has been in Nantwich for the last six months, so it is not new to him. He is an intelligent guy and he has a strong mind set.

The boss added: “Thankfully, the world is a smaller place nowadays and he can see his wife and baby everyday through technology. Of course, it is not the same and it has been tough for him. All we can do is make it as comfortable as we can for him and all the players.”