A Crewe Alex FC player has been ruled out for up to 10 weeks, after tripping over a rolled-up pitch covers at his side's last EFL League Two match.

Zac Williams badly sprained his ankle ligaments in last weekend's 1-0 away victory at Harrogate Town (October 28).

The year-old defender scored Crewe's winning goal, but tripped up on rolled-up pitch covers at the side of the pitch just before half-time.

Crewe Alex manager, Lee Bell, celebrating his side's victory at Harrogate Town (Crewe Alex).

An infuriated Williams couldn't continue and was replaced by Ryan Cooney at the break.

Crewe have now confirmed he is out of action for between eight and 10 weeks.

Manager, Lee Bell, told Crewe Alexandra's website: "It's a busy treatment room but it is what it is; players who have been waiting patiently for an opportunity look like they will get it.

"Zac is going to be out for a couple of months due to a pretty bad sprain in his ankle ligaments so we will have to be patient with it.

"I'm angry about how it happened because it was very avoidable and Zac had got himself playing as well as he ever has, so it's very disappointing."

Williams joins a growing Crewe injury list, with midfielder Jack Powell already ruled out for the season (ACL).

Crewe Alex manager, Lee Bell, is frustrated by the avoidable injury Zak Williams suffered in his side's 1-0 win at Harrogate Town (Crewe Alex).

Chris Long (thigh), Joel Tabiner (ankle), Matus Holicek (groin), Owen Lunt (back) and Charlie Finney are all confirmed as injured for Crewe's FA Cup Clash with Derby County on November 5.

Shilow Tracey and Courtney Baker Richardson are both in a fight to be fit for the first round encounter, suffering from tight hamstrings.

Bell added: "Joel won't make the weekend – definitely this time – his ankle has not healed like we thought it would.

"Longy won't play against Derby due to his thigh but we are hopeful he will be back the following weekend. 

"Matus needs a couple of weeks downtime after a reaction in his groin; Owen Lunt is struggling to ease his back off and Charlie Finney isn't ready yet. 

"Shilow and Courtney have tight hamstrings so we have to be mindful of them.

Crewe host Derby Country at 2:45pm on Sunday 5 November at Mornflake Stadium. The game is also being shown on ITVX (Ryan Parker).

"That's football. This happens up and down the country.

"This is why all players are asked to train and prepare properly for every game, so they can take their chance when it comes along." 

Crewe host Derby Country at 2:45pm on Sunday 5 November at Mornflake Stadium. The game is also being shown on ITVX.

READ MORE: Growing chain store opens in former Shoe Zone on Crewe's retail park.

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