Grayson must fill the gaps
Preston boss Simon Grayson will be without Iain Hume, Chris Humphrey and Will Hayhurst for the clash with Crewe.
The trio are away on international duty with Canada, Jamaica and Republic of Ireland Under-21s respectively and will miss this game.
Bailey Wright missed Tuesday's defeat to Oldham with an ankle injury and is expected to miss out again, while Jack King (broken foot) has begun light training, but remains two or three weeks away from fitness.
The Lilywhites will be hoping for a return to winning ways after losing for the first time in the league this season last time out.
Crewe boss Steve Davis will run the rule over Ryan Colclough.
The teenage striker missed Tuesday's Johnstone's Paint Trophy clash with a knock, but could recover in time to play some part.
Long-term absentee Mathias Pogba remains sidelined with a knee injury, while Harry Davis misses out with the same problem.
Davis is expected to shuffle his pack after the Alex slumped to an embarrassing 4-0 defeat against Sky Bet League Two side Fleetwood in midweek.
Source: PA
