Crewe Alexandria boss David Artell has revealed that his team would not miss captain George Ray who is suspended for their next two matches.  The centre–back picked up his 10th booking of the season in the stalemate at Cambridge United on Tuesday which has triggered the mandatory two-match suspension.

This means that the rugged defender would miss the home clash against Crawley Town this weekend and the trip to Mansfield Town. Artell speaking after the game was critical of his defender insisting that it was a silly offense that resulted in the yellow card.

Surprisingly Artell was of the opinion that the defender deserved the punishment and has no worries about playing without his captain for both fixtures.  Ray is one of the best defenders in the club and it would be a huge blow for the midtable team in their hopes to make the playoffs.

In theory, Crewe should be able to get through against struggling Crawley Town without their captain but would face a barrage of attack against high flying Mansfield town the week after.  Crewe have been buoyed by the news that defenders Nicky Hunt and Aaron Taylor-Sinclair have been passed fit for the clash at home to Crawley Town.

This could be the reason for Artell’s confidence in his team coping without their star defender. the presence of both players would also mitigate the loss of fullback Jamie Sterry who has been recalled by his parent club Newcastle.

Hunt was part of the substitute bench for the trip to Cambridge United on Wednesday while Taylor-Sinclair was ruled out as a result of injury. The defender on loan from Scottish side would be looking to make an extended run in the first team.

Crewe currently lie 15th on the table in League 10 points off the final playoff place.

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