Wrexham are managing a series of injuries to attacking players and are targeting the period after the November international break for key returns. Head coach Phil Parkinson has underlined the importance of getting Josh Windass, Nathan Broadhead and Callum O’Hare back available.
Parkinson says trio’s return is the key
Speaking to Sports Illustrated, Phil Parkinson said: "I think for us, Windass, Broady and O’Hare, we need to get those three available now. That is the key."
Parkinson also highlighted the value of attacking substitutions in a busy schedule, saying: "While we have been waiting for some key players to come back, other players have stepped up brilliantly. O’Brien today, Tommo and Rathbone the other day. But obviously, in this division, when we have a lot of midweek games, having options to bring three attacking players on and take three attacking players off can make a huge difference in a game. We did it a lot last season, and it won us games."
Injury updates on Windass, Broadhead and O’Hare
Josh Windass, Wrexham’s top goalscorer last season, suffered an ankle injury against Derby County in October. Windass has had a setback in his recovery from the ankle problem and has yet to return to full team training. It is hoped Windass will be available after the November international break, although he might not be ready for action until early December.
Nathan Broadhead is sidelined with a thigh issue after suffering a thigh strain in training before the October international break. Broadhead has not been selected in the Wales squad for the current international fixtures and is not expected to return to action in November. It is hoped Broadhead could be available again at the start of December.
Callum O’Hare is struggling with an ankle problem that he suffered in a recent defeat to Blackburn Rovers, which flared up again the following week. O’Hare has missed three subsequent matches because of his ankle issue, and it is hoped he will return before the end of the year.
Smith ruled out long term and other absentees
Sam Smith suffered a serious knee injury against Sheffield United and will undergo knee surgery after suffering an ACL injury. Smith has been ruled out for an initial nine months and is not expected to play again this season, and he will hope to be available for preseason next summer.
Because of injuries, Parkinson is currently without four attacking options, including Smith. Cacace has not featured for Wrexham since preseason because of an ongoing injury issue, having made 13 appearances for the club since joining a year ago. Cacace recently visited a specialist in London to determine the cause of his persistent fitness problems.
Revan has been sidelined since suffering a serious hamstring injury while on loan at Burton Albion in February. Revan is close to returning to fitness and will be allowed to leave Wrexham on loan during the January transfer window. Revan’s contract with Wrexham expires at the end of the season.
Recent results, league position and team culture
Wrexham are 15th in the Championship table, six points from the final playoff position and eight points above the relegation zone. At the same stage last season, Wrexham were 12th before going on to finish seventh after a strong festive fixture schedule. Wrexham recently secured a victory over Middlesbrough and then held Wolverhampton Wanderers to a draw.
Parkinson outlined how Wrexham will balance recovery and rest, saying: "The medical department will have their own plan this week, while other players will need some time and deserve it after these performances, so there will be a few days off."
He also described the standards he expects from his squad, saying: "As I stressed to the lads on Monday, we have always had a culture here where you’ve got to earn your time off. This is a serious business, and when the lads have a couple of days off next week, I feel they have earned it with the last two performances. That’s what it is all about; it is a hard, competitive industry, and we have got to make sure we have a real hunger and determination in the group."
Sports Illustrated identifies Rich Fay as a freelance writer covering Wrexham AFC who was born in Wrexham and raised in North Wales. Sports Illustrated states that Fay spent nine years covering Manchester United and Manchester City for the Manchester Evening News and National World. Sports Illustrated also states that Fay is co-host of the RobRyanRed Wrexham podcast and featured in the Welcome to Wrexham docuseries.
