04/03/2008 - Maynard boost for relegation battle
by Gwyn Griffiths
Nicky Maynard’s hamstring injury looks unlikely to rule him out of the majority of Crewe’s relegation battle.
The striker may even be fit to resume action within a fortnight, although he will miss Saturday’s visit of Nottingham Forest.
Maynard, who was hurt during Saturday’s goalless draw at Northampton, is due to have a scan today to assess the extent of his injury.
However, the Alex medics say it is a low grade injury which won’t require the usual recovery time for a hamstring pull of between four and six weeks.
That is good news for Crewe’s management team, who suffered more frustration in the loan market yesterday when a couple more targets opted to stay with their current clubs.
Last week they missed out on Charlton’s Izale McLeod when he joined Colchester, while they have struggled to follow up their interest in West Brom’s Polish international frontman Bartosz Slusarski.
Maynard has scored only four times in 18 appearances since making his return from his opening-day broken leg, but he is still the club’s key forward.
“Nicky’s injury is not too bad,” said Crewe assistant manager Neil Baker.
“He is having a scan, but it is certainly not a tear. He shouldn’t be missing for too long.”
The quest for reinforcements up front will continue, while there is optimism Ipswich will let Gary Roberts remain on loan until the end of the season.
“We have been trying to get a striker,” said Baker, “but it seems they are not prepared to drop down.”
Midfielder Steve Schumacher was able to train yesterday after being forced off at Northampton with a stomach problem.
But full-back George Abbey (hamstring) is an early doubt for the clash with promotion-chasing Forest as he is nursing a tight hamstring.
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