Lawrence could wear mask to play

Lawrence has missed the last four matches with a fractured cheekbone

Crewe are hopeful that Dennis Lawrence will be able to play against Colchester on Saturday by wearing a mask to protect his fractured cheekbone.

Assistant manager Neil Baker told BBC Radio Stoke: "We're optimistic on that one. He's had the mask fitted.

"We have to wait to see whether he can play with it on and whether we get permission for him to play with it on."

Meanwhile, the Alex have re-signed Blackpool defender Marlon Broomes on loan until the end of the season.

Trinidad & Tobago international Lawrence picked up his injury in the 2-0 home victory over Yeovil on 24 February.

Baker added: "We need permission from the Football League and the referee on the day, but there's players out there like (Coventry City striker) Leon Best who have been playing with a mask on at the moment so we don't see a problem."

Broomes, 31, could also face Colchester in his ninth appearance for the club.

Broomes was recalled by Blackpool before Crewe's victory over Hereford on 7 March, and after being an unused substitute in the Seasiders' two matches since then, the former Stoke City defender has been allowed to return to the Alex.