THE illness bug which has swept through Crewe's ranks is easing and Dave Artell expects to have all his affected players available again for Saturday's visit of Accrington (3pm).

Owen Dale, Shaun MacDonald, James McFadzean, Chris Long and Will Jaaskelainen were among those ruled out of Tuesday's night defeat (0-1) at Oxford United after the Alex squad was hit by norovirus, the notorious and highly contagious winter vomiting bug.

Crewe's pre-season preparations were affected by the loss of players pinged under Covid-19 Track and Trace rules, but Artell says the current bug has had a more damaging effect.

The Railwaymen were unable to name a full bench at the Kassam Stadium and among the substitutes were youngsters Sam Booth and Joe Robbins, who have yet to make a senior appearance.

Alex boss Artell said: '"We've still got one or two [affected], and more than one or two back. From Sunday morning right through it's carried on.

"If you think Covid is infectious, and we had one or two cases last year, then it's nothing like this norovirus for sure - it's crazy.

"But we'll be in better shape on Saturday than we were on Tuesday night."

Of the 1-0 defeat at the Kassam Stadium, the Alex boss said: "I thought we were good value for at least a point, if not all three. Considering the circumstances and the disjointed preparations I thought the performance was admirable.

"We've got one or two still suffering from it, but they should be all okay for Saturday, but it doesn't mean to say another one or two won't have it by then."

Crewe go in search of their first League One win of the 2021/22 campaign, having lost at Portsmouth and Oxford with only the point from the opening game (1-1) with Cheltenham to show for their efforts thus far.

"The performance on Tuesday night was much better than Portsmouth and if we keep improving we'll be okay. We're a work in progress, but it's not an excuse in a month or six week's time," said Artell.

"But we will get there as I have belief in myself and the staff, but more importantly the players.

And the manager added: "We should have beaten Oxford who are going to be there or thereabouts."