Alex X-Factor To Have Ops

Crewe midfield duo Ben Rix and Neil Cox are to go under the knife in the coming weeks to help clear up their respective injuries they have been carrying.

Cox has a shoulder injury and has been suffering some discomfort in his neck. He will have his operation within the next ten days which will then put the Crewe captain out of action for at least six weeks.

Ben Rix has been told he needs a hip operation and will have surgery in two weeks time, putting him out for the rest of the season.

Rix should still be available for for the next two games against Leyton Orient and Carlisle before his operation ahead of the away clash with Leeds.

This news will be disappointing for Rix who has finally begun to establish himself as a first team regular this season.

This operation for Cox could have spelt the end of an illustrious playing career for the man from the North-East. His contract with Crewe is up at the end of the season and he is widely tipped to retire from playing football in the summer.

As his operation may only keep him out for six weeks though, Cox's experience and leadership skills may be badly needed and called upon come the end of the season, in an attempt by Crewe to fend off relegation.

Both players absence from the team for a large spell of the remainder of the season may push the Crewe management into searching for a midfielder or two on loan.

If not Eugen Bopp and Mark Carrington may get a chance to stake a place for a regular spot in the team.