With goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo back in training and Steven Fletcher expected to return to action, Wrexham has got a double boost.
Consequently, what happened?
In the lead-up to the Welsh derby against Newport on Saturday at the Racecourse Ground, manager Phil Parkinson has provided positive updates regarding the status of two important players who could soon return to full health. Fletcher hasn’t played since late October, when he sustained a knee injury that needed surgery. Okonkwo, an Arsenal loanee, needed surgery last month after suffering a facial injury.
PHIL PARKINSON’S QUOTES
Parkinson revealed to the media that Fletcher has resumed training with full-back Ryan Barnett ahead of a hectic holiday season, though he was unable to provide a specific return date for the player to the starting lineup. The Wrexham manager stated, “Fletch and Barney have been back involved this week.” “It’s fantastic to have them back on the training field, but we are just evaluating them to see how the week goes. The good news for Fletch is that he didn’t have a preseason experience when he joined us, so this injury has given the medical staff a chance to improve on his conditioning a lot.”
Parkinson said of Okonkwo, “We are happy that Arthur has returned to us after a few days away. We will simply continue to keep an eye on him every day. He has a bodyguard and appears to be in good health thus far. He has just done non-contact training thus far, but he is improving his handling and kicking. We are reintroducing him to the group gradually, but it’s fantastic to have him back here and to have him interact with the guys once more.”
THE LARGER IMAGE
The news that players will be back before a hectic stretch that may potentially define the remainder of Wrexham’s promotion quest will cheer the supporters, who will be hoping to see Fletcher back with star striker Paul Mullin in the final third as soon as possible. Prior to their rescheduled trip to Forest Green two weeks ago, Wrexham’s ailments had been getting worse, but they now seem to be getting better in time for a stretch of four games in nine days.
FUTURE PLANS FOR WREXHAM?
Saturday’s festivities kick off with a visually appealing Welsh derby with Newport County. Before a tantalizing matchup against fellow promotion contenders Barrow on New Year’s Day, there are trips to Swindon and Walsall.
