Lee Bell said Shilow Tracey’s horrendous leg injury stunned Crewe’s players as they went down to a heavy 4-1 defeat at the hands of Fleetwood.
The Railwaymen’s hopes of registering a third straight win were hit by Ryan Graydon’s early finish for the Cod Army and the serious injury to striker Tracey, who needed medical attention on the pitch after he took the full force of a challenge from Danny Mayor.
Crewe boss Bell said: “Shilow is not in a good way and he went to hospital – I’ve spoken to the doctor who says he’ll probably need an operation.
“I’d imagine it affected the players’ performance as it affected me. I’ve never seen anything like that.
“We wanted to try and make Shilow proud with our performance in the second half, but it wasn’t to be and we didn’t do enough.
“But we have got some character in the dressing room and we have got a player we’re going to fight for.
“It’ll be about showing character and fortunately results have been kind to us tonight. There were people shouting behind me about the subs, but some of them have been out for so long that we have to make sure we get it right.
“The players showed something in the second half but we were huffing and puffing and taking too long to get things in the box.”
After Tracey was carried off on a stretcher, Crewe’s limited striking options left youngster Matus Holicek carrying a lone threat up front, while a lack of match fitness meant Chris Long and Omar Bogle were left on the bench until the second half.
But by then the Railwaymen were further behind after Louie Marsh had added a second.
Rhys Bennett and Phoenix Patterson added further goals in the closing stages before Chris Long’s consolation.
Fleetwood boss Pete Wild said: “We wish Shilow Tracey all the best as no-one likes to see that sort of injury in any game. Danny Mayor is devastated that it happened.
“It made it a sombre night and we tried to be respectful. But I was pleased with what was a complete performance – the lads were outstanding.
“Crewe have had some great results and we had to be solid defensively. We tried to trap them and give them something they weren’t expecting.
“Ryan has got 12 goals now and they way we are playing with players around him is freeing him up to be more of a threat.
“We’re unbeaten in three and we’ll keep picking them off and see where it gets us. Being consistent will be the watchword for us.”
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