Crewe Alexandra vs Grimsby Town - Crewe face Grimsby without suspended defender Charlie Kirk

Crewe's teenage defender Charlie Kirk is suspended for the visit of Grimsby.

The 19-year-old must serve a three-match ban following his red card in the defeat at Exeter last weekend.

Fellow defender George Ray has seen a specialist over the knee injury he suffered against the Grecians. The problem is not as serious as the club initially thought but he is still set for a short spell on the sidelines.

Alex Kiwomya was nursing a foot injury from St James' Park but the on-loan Chelsea forward has since resumed training and will be available on Saturday as Alex look to halt an 11-game winless run in League Two which has dragged them into relegation trouble.

Luke Maxwell is closing in on his first appearance for Grimsby after being hampered by a groin strain since his loan move from Birmingham.

The 19-year-old is yet to appear for the Mariners but could be set for a place on the bench as his side look to boost their play-off push with a win at Gresty Road.

James Berrett continues to make good progress from his hip injury but midfielder Dom Vose is set to miss out after sustaining an injury in training this week.

Akwase Asante and Scott Vernon will be looking to force their way into boss Marcus Bignot's plans after coming off the bench during last weekend's draw with Luton.