Manager Dario Gradi will keep Rhys Taylor between the sticks for Crewe's visit of Oxford United.
Keeper hangs on to Crewe spot; Oxford to retain central defence
Manager Dario Gradi will keep Rhys Taylor between the sticks for Crewe's visit of Oxford United on Saturday.
Taylor is deputising for Alex No.1 Steve Phillips, who is closing in on a comeback after undergoing surgery on both shoulders.
The 32-year-old, who returned to training with the youth team this week, is scheduled to resume first-team practice in the coming days.
Carl Martin will miss the Gresty Road encounter due to a shin complaint, although captain Lee Bell should be fit for the clash despite suffering with flu this week.
Meanwhile, 16-year-old striker Nick Powell staked his claim for a place in the first-team by netting for the reserves during their 2-0 midweek defeat of Blackburn.
Oxford news
Oxford manager Chris Wilder will retain the same central defence despite last week's shock 1-0 home loss to Stockport.
Damien Batt is still sidelined with an ankle injury, meaning Mark Creighton and Harry Worley will once again lead the backline.
Injured Jake Wright is making good progress from a back problem and could return to the squad in the next couple of weeks.
The clash comes too soon for defender Rhys Day, who has returned to training but will not be match-fit for Saturday.
Midfielder Simon Clist featured in the midweek reserves game after resuming training and could go straight into the squad.
