David Artell says that those missing due to positive Covid-19 tests will give others a chance to stake their claim for a place against Wigan Athletic tomorrow.

The Crewe Alexandra boss has had a disruptive week of preparation following a round of testing highlighted a further two positive tests amongst the squad. Our opponents this weekend have also had a couple of positive tests and they too will be self-isolating.

David told the club’s official website: “Of course it becomes an opportunity for someone else, but it is in unfortunate circumstances. It is no fault of their own that those players have tested positive. It is what it is and it doesn’t matter if you are a footballer, a coach, a factory worker, work in retail or food outlet, the virus is out there and amongst us all.

“We have a few injuries as well as those players that have tested positive this week but we have to get on with it and we have prepared very much the same. They did some work at home on Monday and Tuesday and returned to training on Wednesday and although it has been slightly different and a tough week, we will be ready.

He added: “We all just want to get back playing some football again. It was unfortunate what happened last week and it was all to do with timing and Omar (Beckles) not informing us that he was going for a test. “