Wrexham AFC is facing a tough setback with the news that a key player has sustained a wrist injury.

The football club owners, Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, had been ambitious in their signings and roped in star goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo after his contract with Arsenal ended in the summer. Okonkwo had earlier made a mark while on loan at the Racecourse during the previous season, contributing significantly to Wrexham’s climb from League Two with 14 clean sheets in 36 games.

This season, he’s already clocked eight clean sheets in League One. However, head coach Phil Parkinson delivered grim news stating: “We had some bad news when we had to send Arthur Okonkwo for a scan after he damaged his wrist on Saturday.

“Unfortunately, he has broken his wrist and is going to be out for a minimum of six weeks. Our supporters may have found it a bit strange that we played both goalkeepers for 45 minutes on Tuesday night (against Port Vale) – that was pre-planned in terms of giving them both some game-time, but also to protect Callum Burton a little bit as well.”

Parkinson showed empathy for the injured player with Burton, who signed from Plymouth Argyle in the summer, expected to play in his absence. The manager said: “I feel for Arthur, he’s in good form, but we’ve got two experienced goalkeepers ready and waiting.

Wrexham’s Okonkwo is no stranger to injuries, having missed a chunk of last season with a fractured jaw from a November 2023 clash against Harrogate. Despite interest from top-tier teams, Wrexham secured his signature for good.

Wrexham head coach Phil Parkinson has experienced a major setback

Wrexham head coach Phil Parkinson has experienced a major setback ( 

Image:

James Baylis – AMA/Getty Images)

This week, defenders Luke Bolton and Will Boyle joined the casualty list after getting hurt in the EFL Trophy match against Port Vale on Tuesday night. Parkinson said: “It was a really good workout with three lads making their first starts for the club and all came through well.”

“Unfortunately, we picked up two injuries on the night – Luke Bolton and Will Boyle – and both look like four to five-week lay-offs, which is obviously frustrating.”

He also gave an update on other team members, noting George Evans’ progress, James Jones being weeks away from training due to a foot injury, Steven Fletcher’s setback requiring specialist advice, and Jack Marriott’s gradual return.

Parkinson shared: “George Evans is making good progress, James Jones is still a couple of weeks away from joining in training with a foot injury, and Steven Fletcher trained last week but has had a slight setback and he’s seeing a specialist today so we’ll know more after that.”

“Jack Marriott has been with the group, but as everyone knows, that’s going to take time. It’s good to have him back in and around the ground with the lads, though.”