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' Unlikely to extend Cardiff players loan '

Tue Feb 09, 2016 8:34 am

Crewe Alexandra: Alex unlikely to extend Semi Ajayi's loan from Cardiff City

By Rich_Sharpe

Tuesday February 09, 2016


Semi Ajayi and Ben Nugent have been defensively sound in Crewe's last four games

SEMI Ajayi's loan spell at Crewe Alexandra is unlikely to be extended beyond this month as the Alex's defensive injury worries appear to be easing.



The Cardiff City loanee has started Crewe's last 10 games since arriving on loan in November, a deal which extended for a further six weeks on January 6.

The 22-year-old was brought in as cover for George Ray who was ruled out for around three months with an ankle injury picked up in the win at Colchester on November 24.

Ajayi was drafted in just before the November 26 loan deadline closed, with Crewe already short in that department due to Harry Davis' absence through a knee injury.


But with both Davis, and Ray, expected back in the coming weeks, Alex boss Steve Davis says it's unlikely that Ajayi's loan will be extended.

He added: "We've got Semi until the end of the month so I think that should cover the time before Harry and George are back.

"I think we will be ok on that one."

Ajayi has enjoyed a good run of form recently, as Crewe have conceded just two goals in their last four games, despite shipping 25 goals in their previous nine games.

Crewe have kept three clean sheets in Ajayi's 10 games partnering Ben Nugent in central defence, a player he knew from the pair's time at Cardiff.

Ajayi's loan runs out on February 26, making him available for three more games.

Skipper Harry Davis has played just four games for Crewe this season, having missed the opening six games following an injury to his left knee picked up in pre-season.

An injury to his right knee at Walsall on September 26 has kept him out ever since, although the 24-year-old has begun light training after being given the all-clear by the consultant.

However, the Alex will be cautious with Davis who has missed 55 of the Alex's last 92 games through three separate knee injuries.

Lauri Dalla Valle is also another long-term absentee having not played since November due to an ankle ligament injury picked up while playing for the under-21s on his comeback from a previous back injury.

"Harry trained with the squad for the first time last Friday, and has done his testing, and wants to join in with the light drills we do," the Crewe boss said.

"There's a gradual training regime to build him up.

"Harry will be back over the coming weeks, but is on the first stage of his comeback, George will be just after that and then Lauri is just that bit further back because of the injury he had to his ligaments.

"He's working hard every day so we hope as well as those two he won't be too far away.

"It might be mid-March before he's back so the last six weeks of the season he could play a part."

Crewe have been hit hard by injuries this season, with seven first-team players missing at least a month of action.