David Artell says that his injured quartet of Eddie Nolan, Tom Lowery, Rio Adebisi and Lewis Reilly ‘are buzzing’ that they have been given extra time to get themselves fit for a possible return to action.

Crewe Alexandra will be boosted by having a virtually fit squad if football becomes safe to resume this summer. The Railwaymen are keen to complete the season and give themselves the best possible chance of confirming promotion to League One.

The Alex boss explained to crewealex.net: “I would expect that our injured players will be buzzing because they have had an extra two months to get themselves fit. Hopefully they will have the opportunity to be involved in what should be an exciting end to the season.

“Of course, it is not ideal for them because they cannot come into the training ground and work on their rehab with the staff we have – but even coronavirus cannot stop Mother Nature, she is still working away to give them more time to heal.

“They can be inventive at home and I am sure they will be doing their weights and squats and keeping themselves in the best shape they possibly can. There are ways of doing it and I’m sure they are cracking on with it.

The boss added: “There is no way of checking on them but they are all good pros and they will all want to give themselves the best chance of getting back and being involved in hopefully a promotion winning team. They don’t need more of an inventive than that.”