Crewe Alexandra have to dig deep and get back on track when they visit Newport County on Friday (7.45pm).

That’s according to Manager Lee Bell, who says a lack of strength-in-depth will be no excuse when The Railwaymen take to the field in South Wales.

The Alex have gone five league games without a win, after illness, injury and suspension hit a threadbare squad.

But Bell says there will be no self pity as he leads his men into the final game of 2023.

He said: “We are going through a tricky spell at the moment but we will keep working at it. It’s up to us to respond – it's not like we are going to miraculously have five players back for Newport – we're just not. It’ll be near-enough the same squad. 

“We will look at what we can do formation and shape-wise, to get players into their best positions. It’ll be really tough – Newport are on the back of a good win but it’s always tough going there. We know what to expect and have to be ready.”

Crewe should be able to welcome back skipper Luke Offord, who has now completed a two-match suspension.

Elliott Nevitt, who missed the Boxing Day defeat at Walsall due to illness, could come back into the frame, while checks will be made on Conor Thomas (calf).

But Jack Powell, Joel Tabiner, Charlie Colkett, Matus Holicek and Owen Lunt will remain out. The likes of Shilow Tracey and Zac Williams, who are carrying knocks, will be assessed, while medics will check whether Christopher Long has come through his first minutes since October unscathed.