Phil Parkinson provides fresh Wrexham injury update on Ben Sheaf and Max Cleworth. Credit: Wrexham AFC X
Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson has provided a fresh injury update on Ben Sheaf and Max Cleworth ahead of Saturday’s Championship trip to Blackburn Rovers. The Reds have been stretched by injuries across midfield and defence, with the manager assessing his options before the visit to Ewood Park.
The latest news follows another demanding spell for Parkinson’s squad, with several players working their way back from problems picked up during the opening months of the campaign. The manager’s assessment comes as Wrexham prepare for their meeting with Blackburn on 24 October.
Sheaf’s season has been interrupted by repeated setbacks, while Cleworth was sidelined just as he had worked his way back into the side. Their progress is an important consideration for Parkinson as he looks to strengthen his options during a busy run of fixtures.
Parkinson confirms latest on Sheaf and Cleworth
The main development is that Sheaf has returned to full training, while Cleworth has taken part in part of a session. Wrexham confirmed the news on Thursday, with George Thomason also involved in some of the session.
As reported by North Wales Chronicle, Parkinson said:
“Sheafo was back in full training today, Tommo and Max did part of the session, so a huge lift for everybody to see those boys out there.”
The manager added: “It really thickens up the numbers in the squad, and it’s a good start getting those lads back on the training pitch.”
Sheaf had already missed pre-season through injury before appearing in September’s victory over Southampton. A subsequent groin problem then kept him out again, but his latest involvement represents an important step towards returning to the matchday squad.
Cleworth’s absence followed a hamstring injury sustained against Burnley in September. Parkinson initially indicated that the defender would be sidelined for around eight weeks, making his participation in training an encouraging development rather than a guarantee of an immediate return.
What the developments mean for Wrexham
Thomason’s partial involvement is another positive sign following his own thigh injury. Like Cleworth, however, he has not yet been confirmed as available for Saturday’s Championship fixture.
Sheaf appears closer to a return after completing a full session. Further reporting on Wrexham’s preparations suggests the midfielder could come into contention for the trip to Blackburn, although the final decision rests with Parkinson.
Training involvement does not automatically mean immediate match readiness, particularly for players who have spent significant time on the sidelines. Parkinson and his coaching staff must decide how quickly to reintegrate them into the squad.
Nevertheless, having familiar faces back on the training pitch is welcome news for a manager looking to strengthen his options. Sheaf offers another possibility in central midfield, while Cleworth’s recovery could provide greater flexibility across the defensive positions.
There is also encouragement in Thomason’s progress, with the midfielder moving closer to full participation after his own spell out of action.
Wrexham head to Blackburn with renewed encouragement from the training ground, but Parkinson has not confirmed an immediate return date for Cleworth or Thomason. For now, the clearest progress is in training, with matchday involvement still to be determined.
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