Lee Bell has given 100% backing to his players as Crewe Alexandra aim to pack a punch at Walsall on Boxing Day.

The Railwaymen are in the midst of an injury crisis, with just 10 fit senior outfield players available for the defeat to Barrow last time out.

Now, with illness also affecting the camp and skipper Luke Offord suspended, they are preparing to visit the Sadlers on Tuesday (3pm).

Bell said: “Teams go through tough moments and we will come out of it. We will get players back and we will come through it.  

“I cannot wait to get back to work with them. When you have got men running around like that, giving you everything they’ve got; I look forward to getting back to work.

“We just need a few bodies back. We will solider on and patch the players up. They won’t kick a ball until they are on the pitch at Walsall, so we will do prep via the video room.”

Jack Powell (knee) is out for the season and Joel Tabiner (ankle) is unlikely to play until February.

Christopher Long (thigh) is yet to return to full training, while Joe White and Connor O’Riordan missed the last game through illness.

Conor Thomas and Ryan Cooney will be assessed after being unable to complete the game against Barrow, while Charlie Colkett (hamstring), Matus Holicek (groin) and Owen Lunt (back) are also out.