Just days after it was revealed Wrexham had lost both Will Boyle and Luke Bolton were injured, yet more bad news has been confirmed.
Phil Parkinson has revealed that Arthur Okonkwo will be out for at least a month after a scan showed the ex-Arsenal goalkeeper has broken his wrist.
Former Plymouth Argyle Keeper Set To Step Up
Speaking to the media as the Red Dragons prepare to play competitive rivals Stockport County this weekend, Phil Parkinson confirmed the bad news. (Quotes via Wales Online):
“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.
“I feel for Arthur, he’s in good form, but we’ve got two experienced goalkeepers ready and waiting.”
Burton played in all three of the Welsh side’s EFL Trophy games this season and also was between the sticks in their EFL Cup loss to Sheffield United.
Other options in the squad include Mark Howard and youth keeper Liam Hall could also fill in for Okonkwo.
The game against the Valiants was a tough night for the club in terms of fitness. Will Boyle was unable to start after being named in the lineup following a calf injury, whilst former Salford City man suffered the same issue 12 minutes into the game.
Writer’s View
Arguably Wrexham have lost their most crucial player for the next month at least. The squad has so much versatility and talent across the field that if a key player like Paul Mullin is ruled out, players like Ollie Palmer, Jack Marriott or Steven Fletcher can fill in. With Arthur Onkonkwo, he is a near irreplacable option and now it is up to the other keepers to step up over the next month. It will most likely be Callum Burton who fills the void and based on his EFL Trophy form he can be a solid deputy until the 23-year-old returns.
