THE potential threat of losing players to the increased Covid testing regime spurred Crewe on to make three loan signings.

Former Everton midfielder Antony Evans was the latest to arrive at Gresty Road, signing a deal from Bundesliga 2 outfit SC Paderborn at the weekend.

Billy Jones, on loan from Rotherham, and Stephen Walker, from Middlesbrough, featured in Saturday's 1-1 draw with AFC Wimbledon.

Evans has also signed on until the end of the season and Artell hopes his versatility and attacking ways can be brought to effect.

EFL clubs are now undertaking twice weekly testing, paid for by the PFA, and in the first week 32 positive cases were returned from the 598 players and staff tested for coronavirus.

Those testing positive have to self-isolate in line with government guidance.

At various times this season Crewe have had Omar Beckles, Ryan Wintle, Owen Dale, Oliver Finney and Tommy Lowery unavailable because of Covid.

Artell explained: "We wanted an attacking-minded midfielder and Antony's versatility is a key for us because of the incessant nature of the games and getting tested twice a week.

"You could have a Covid bomb blowing up in your face and there is the increasing possibility of injuries."

Evans, 22, was a regular for Everton's under-23s team before joining Paderborn a year ago when they were in the top tier in Germany. He has found opportunities limited this season, and while he never played for the Toffees' first team he got 26 games under his belt in League One and Two during loan spells with Morecambe and Blackpool.

Artell added: "Antony has got ability but he has got to prove it. He's not played that many games so he has got to get up to speed quickly. When he's done that we'll have a player who will be coached well and fit in with the club."

The Alex boss is not ruling out another transfer deal before the January window shuts with a frontman the priority as Mikael Mandron has spent time in the treatment room. With Offrande Zanzala leaving earlier this month the burden has rested on the shoulders of veteran Chris Porter in recent games and Artell would like another option.

"When the shops are open we will always be shopping. The window is open for another eight days. Whether we can get one done then we'll have to wait and see," said the manager.

"Recruitment is not a science, it's an art form and recruiting for strikers is hardest because other people can see them scoring goals."

Artell wants more focus at the back after a worrying trend to concede goals early in both halves of games; AFC Wimbledon were ahead after just 70 seconds on Saturday.

Crewe are at Gillingham tomorrow night (K.O 6pm) and the manager recalled November's home defeat at the hands of the Gills as a rallying call to maintain an unbeaten run which now stretches to 10 games.

"The performance was good, the result wasn't (against Gillingham) and we don't want to make a habit of losing games when playing well. We have to make sure that we play better than we did on Saturday," he said.