Gradi who broke tradition had the players in for training on Christmas Day as injuries hamper team preparation ahead of the Latics test.
Crewe will be hoping to close the gap as the look to climb out of the relegation zone and the Railwaymen will be buoyed with two clean sheets in the last two games.
Crewe Team News...
Crewe have at least eight players ruled out with injury Steve Schumacher (ankle), Julien Baudet (knee), Chris McCready (hamstring), George Abbey (ankle), Joel Grant (hip), Calvin Zola (head) Kenny Lunt (hernia) and Danny Woodards (knee).
So Gradi looks set to call upon Luke Murphy in midfield and he can also call back Billy Jones and Tom Pope who have returned to training.
Oldham Athletic Team News ...
Oldham have defender Daniel Jones (on loan from Wolves) ruled out for eight weeks.
Former Nottingham Forest keeper Mark Crossley is still ruled out so Greg Fleming will continue in goal.
The Latics still have Matt Wolfenden and Paul Black still ruled out with long term injuries.