Phil Parkinson has provided an update on Max Cleworth and Josh Windass after both players were forced off during Wrexham’s 1-1 draw with Burnley, raising questions over their availability for Friday’s trip to West Ham United.
Cleworth lasted only half an hour at the Stok Cae Ras after feeling tightness in his hamstring, while Windass was withdrawn at half-time following a knock to his calf.
With Wrexham facing a quick turnaround before their first competitive visit to London Stadium, Parkinson will now wait to see how the pair respond before making a decision on their involvement.
Parkinson explains Cleworth and Windass injuries
Cleworth attempted to continue after initially feeling the problem against Burnley but was eventually replaced by Zak Vyner after 30 minutes.
Parkinson indicated afterwards that the defender’s hamstring had tightened rather than immediately suggesting a more serious problem.
“Max looks like his hamstring’s tightened up and Josh got a kick on the calf. I don’t think it’s too serious, but we’ll see.”
The Wrexham manager’s injury update provided some encouragement, although Friday night’s fixture gives the pair little time to recover.
Windass made it through to the interval after taking the blow but did not emerge for the second half. Parkinson suggested the forward might have been able to continue, but Wrexham chose not to take the risk.
The manager explained that Windass “probably could have gone out and tried it”, with the earlier Cleworth substitution also affecting how Wrexham needed to manage their remaining opportunities to make changes.
West Ham comes quickly for Wrexham
The timing is far from ideal with Wrexham due back in Championship action at West Ham on Friday night, only three days after the Burnley fixture.
Cleworth and Windass have each made four Championship appearances this season. The defender completed the full game in the 3-0 victory at Millwall and the goalless draw at Swansea before being forced off against Burnley.
Windass has also featured four times in the league and supplied an assist at The Den, having been carefully managed after fitness problems earlier in the campaign.
Neither injury was initially described by Parkinson as serious, but the short recovery period means their availability for the trip to the capital remains uncertain.
Parkinson has alternatives if duo miss out
Wrexham were forced to adjust during the Burnley game, with Vyner replacing Cleworth before Callum O’Hare and Ollie Rathbone were introduced at the interval.
Those changes give Parkinson ready-made alternatives should either Cleworth or Windass fail to recover in time for Friday.
The Reds head to London Stadium for an 8pm kick-off with Cleworth and Windass now facing a short race to prove their fitness for the West Ham test.
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