Atkinson blow for Crewe

Crewe have been dealt an injury blow with the news that Chris Atkinson faces a spell on the sidelines with a knee problem.

However, Alex are hopeful the ligament damage is not too severe and that the midfielder will not be out for too long. Atkinson missed the home defeat to MK Dons on Saturday after sustaining the injury during the warm up. Scans have revealed damage to his medial ligament, ruling him out of the trip to Colchester at the weekend. But it is not yet known how far beyond that game his absence might stretch. Crewe boss Steve Davis told the club's official website: "Chris got injured in the warm-up on Saturday and that is why he was replaced on the bench by Liam Nolan. "He tweaked his medial ligament in his knee but we are hopeful that it is not too long. He is okay and we don't think he will out too long."