Phil Parkinson has received encouraging news on the injury situation as it stands mid way through the international break, with two key players closing in on a return to training before the Championship trip to Derby County at Pride Park.
The pair missed Wrexham’s 2-1 win over Southampton before the break, but neither injury is considered serious. Their progress offers Parkinson hope of having two more options available when the Reds resume their league campaign.
There is no guarantee either will be involved at Derby, but both are ahead of others on Wrexham’s injury list. Parkinson has made it clear that Rathbone and Imray are closest to returning to training.
Rathbone and Imray closing in on Wrexham returns
Rathbone had made six Championship appearances, including four starts, before damaging ankle ligaments against Burnley on September 8. The midfielder has subsequently missed Wrexham’s last two league matches.
Parkinson explained that the injury occurred when Rathbone landed awkwardly after taking a shot, while Imray felt his hamstring tighten in training before the Southampton game.
“Ollie and Danny both had slight injuries but nothing serious. They are both closing in on a return to training.”
Imray has made six Championship appearances this season, starting five, with one goal and two assists. Wrexham chose not to risk the wing-back against Southampton once the hamstring problem emerged.
Getting him back among the group would restore another natural option on the flank, while Rathbone’s comeback would increase Parkinson’s midfield choices. First, both need to come through their return to training before any decision can be made about Derby.
International break gives Wrexham valuable recovery time
The three-week international break has given Wrexham’s medical staff a useful window to work with a sizeable injury list. George Thomason, Max Cleworth, Nathan Broadhead and Libby Cacace have also been sidelined.
Thomason is making progress from the thigh injury suffered against Watford and was due to undergo another scan, with Cleworth slightly behind him in his recovery from a hamstring problem. Parkinson indicated Broadhead is a little further back again following the thigh strain which forced him out of the Wales squad.
“But they are all getting there and the international break has been an opportunity for our medical team to really work with that group of players.”
For Parkinson, that gap in the schedule has provided some breathing room. Rathbone and Imray being at the front of the queue is particularly encouraging given how quickly the Championship programme gathers pace again.
Derby trip provides the target
Wrexham return to action at Pride Park on October 10, where they recorded a 2-1 Championship victory in January. Parkinson should have a clearer picture of his options once training resumes and the pair have been assessed.
For now, two of Wrexham’s shorter-term absentees are moving in the right direction. Getting Rathbone and Imray back among the group would be a timely lift as the Reds prepare to get their Championship campaign moving again.
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