Jack Powell faces months on the sidelines after suffering a serious knee injury in midweek.

The midfielder, who joined the club in the summer, had to be helped off the pitch just before the hour-mark during the defeat to Stockport County.

Now scans have revealed he has ruptured his ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) and could miss the rest of the season.

Manager Lee Bell admitted it is a huge blow for Powell and the team.

He said: “Unfortunately, it is the worst-case scenario for Jack.

“He has done his ACL so we are going to be missing him for some time.

“I’m absolutely gutted for him; he has been excellent for us since he has been here. He’s a great person and a real driving force behind what we are trying to do.

“I ask everyone to rally around him and give him as much support as possible.

“He’s a great lad so I’ve no doubt he’ll meet this head on like he does everything else. He’s already said he wants to shave some time off the timescale.

“That’s football, something serious happened to Stockport’s lad (Louie Barrie) on the same night, and it happens up and down the country.

“You don’t want it happening to your players but he is experienced enough to know what he needs to do to get back. We will give him every bit of support that we can.”

Powell, 29, switched from Crawley to Crewe on an initial two-year deal, with an option for a further 12 months, in June.

He has made 15 appearances for The Railwaymen this season, scoring one goal and contributing four assists.

Everybody at Crewe Alexandra would like to wish Jack all the very best in his recovery.