Wrexham AFC manager Phil Parkinson faces new challenges after two key players were forced to leave Tuesday’s EFL Trophy match against Port Vale due to injuries.
Injuries Strike Key Players
Parkinson shuffled his lineup for the final group game at Vale Park, fielding a fully rotated side compared to Saturday’s 1-0 league win over Mansfield Town. Despite the changes, the Reds held onto their third-place position in League One. However, an injury to centre-back Will Boyle added to the team’s challenges. Boyle, who had been appointed captain for the game, strained his calf during the warm-up and had to be replaced by Max Cleworth, who then took over as captain.
Adding to Wrexham’s woes, wing-back Luke Bolton—who had recently returned from a foot injury—suffered a calf issue just 12 minutes into the match. Although the game ended in a 1-1 draw, Wrexham lost 3-1 in the penalty shoot-out. Despite this, the Reds secured a spot in the last 32 and will play at home, though Parkinson was left concerned by the mounting injuries.
“Boyley pulled his calf in the warm-up, the last sprint,” Parkinson shared. “He had a little niggle with it during the week but we thought it was just a kick, and then he pulled it in the warm-up. Luke has been training so well, he has been really good for us. Obviously, Ryan Barnett has done brilliantly in that position, but Luke pulled his calf as well, which is a blow for us. But it happens, and we have got to move on.”
Despite the setbacks, Jon Dadi Bodvarsson and Mo Faal led Wrexham’s attack. However, with strikers Jack Marriott and Steven Fletcher also currently injured, Parkinson remained cautious about pushing Bodvarsson and Faal too far.
“Jon hasn’t played, and I always wanted to bring him off after 60 minutes,” Parkinson explained, with a view to keeping the players fresh for Saturday’s league clash against Stockport County at Edgeley Park. “I wanted to stretch Mo longer, but he was cramping up, and we couldn’t afford to get him or Jon injured because the league is so important, and we are already without Jack Marriott and Steven Fletcher.”
Writer’s View
Wrexham’s injury setbacks could not come at a worse time, with crucial league fixtures approaching. With several first-choice players out, Parkinson’s squad depth will be tested as they push to maintain momentum in League One.
Founder and Editor-in-Chief at The Real EFL, Gary is a passionate Lincoln City fan with extensive content creation across the Championship and EFL. He also shares expert football betting tips.
