Wrexham have welcomed some good news about injured on-loan goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo.
The shot-stopper, who has been influential in the Red’s recent run of form that has seen the club rise to second place in League Two, and reach the third round of the FA Cup, suffered an injury during the club’s recent 2-2 draw against Harrogate Town.
At first, it didn’t seem that his facial injury wasn’t that severe but it soon became apparent that the 22-year-old, currently loaned out from Premier League leaders Arsenal, would need surgery on his jaw.
The surgery will keep him out for weeks, rather than months, after the diagnosis came through. A minor operation will be a setback to the promotion hopes of Phil Parkinson’s side, but at least a return to action will be quicker than first feared.
The Red Dragons boss Parkinson was reported by the Daily Mail saying. “I don’t think it is too serious but he was a bit dazed at half-time so the medical team felt it was the right thing to bring him off. I am not a physio, I have got to go with their judgment.”
The specialist looking into the injury did say that a protective mask would be worn by Okonkwo to aid when playing, or at least some kind of special headgear. This type of protection is not uncommon. For now, though, there is no immediate time scale, and the Red Dragons are calling upon the services of veteran Mark Howard for the foreseeable future. From Parkinson’s point of view, he will be hoping this does not derail the promotion chase.
Writer’s View
Wrexham will be happy that Arthur Oknokwo will be back in action soon, but his presence will be missed. The surgery does appear to be routine and there will be specialist help along the way to make sure the goalkeeper does not rush back too soon, and no doubt the team owners will be making sure the best treatment is available.
