David Artell has told Crewealex.net that it is perfect timing to have a number of his injured players back in contention. The Alex are entering the busy festive period with the likes of Callum Ainley, Travis Johnson, Callum McFadzean and Kayne Ramsay all returning to training. Centre half Donervon Daniels is also expected to return to full contact training very shortly too.

Ainley and Johnson completed 45 minutes each against Doncaster Rovers in the Papa John’s Trophy and are available for selection for tomorrow night’s home encounter with Lincoln City.

Artell told the club’s official website: “Everyone is on track and if we were playing a cup final then I would they would all be available and would get through it if we needed them. That is a turn of phrase and all of them are there or thereabouts which is good news for us with the hectic fixtures coming up.

“The general overview of the treatment room is that it is clearing and that will give us more options with the amount of games we have coming up this month and not just at first team level either.”