Crewe Alexandra boss Steve Holland will be without skipper Neil Cox for the trip to Northampton Town on Saturday.Cox has been hampered by a shoulder problem recently and underwent an operation earlier in the week in a bid to cure the problem.

But Danny Woodards is stepping up his rehabilitation following a groin injury and is expected to be fit to face the Cobblers.

Ben Rix underwent surgery on a hip injury this week and is expected to be ruled out of action for four to six months.

Alexandra's other long-term absentee, Billy Jones, will again be missing with a knee injury.

Tom Pope and Ryan Lowe both came on as substitutes in the Railwaymen's midweek 1-0 defeat at home to Carlisle and will hope to have done enough to earn a starting berth.

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