Stokes and Bailey Injury Update

Crewe look like they will be without loanee left back Chris Stokes for the trip to Port Vale on Saturday but there's better news in regards to James Bailey.

Stokes hobbled off in the second half of Saturday's game to Notts County after suffering a hamstring strain. It wasn't the best of home debuts for Stoke, giving a soft first half penalty away and a free kick that led to Notts County's winner but the 19 year old from Bolton received Dario's backing post-match.

In absence of Stokes it's likely that Matt Tootle will get a recall. Having missed the trip to Torquay a couple of weeks ago through injury Tootle failed to regain his place in the side for Saturday, only coming on after Stokes was forced off through injury.

Midfielder James Bailey is also a slight doubt for Saturday. Bails was replaced by Steve Schumacher ten minutes into the second half against Notts after taking a nasty knock to his head. Back in light training today, the midfielder has a badly bruised cheekbone and right eye but could still make the weekend game.

The only other concern from the weekend is Mat Mitchel-King. The former Histon defender took a gash to the hand after crashing into the advertising hoardings in the same incident that saw Luke Rodgers go tumbling. The injury is however unlikely to affect his chances of playing on Saturday.

Finally, Ashley Westwood's three match suspension has been confirmed after being sent off towards the end of Saturday's match for violent conduct. He joins Carl Martin who completes his three match suspension this weekend.

Two Alex players out through suspension for one match. Rarity or what?

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