Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson has admitted he is baffled by Libby Cacace’s recurring calf injuries after the defender suffered another setback, with the club seeking specialist medical advice in London this week.
The New Zealand international has yet to feature for Wrexham in the 2026/27 Championship season, and Parkinson has warned that his return is still some way off. The latest problem has added to an injury-hit spell since his arrival from Empoli in July 2025.
Parkinson explains latest setback
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s trip to Derby County, Parkinson acknowledged the difficulty of understanding why the injuries have repeatedly returned.
“Libby, unfortunately, keeps having recurrences of calf injuries. It is very difficult for us all and him to explain why that is happening,” he said.
The manager explained that Wrexham have brought Cacace close to a return on several occasions, only for another muscle problem to intervene. Sometimes the same calf has been affected, while on other occasions the opposite leg has been injured.
The club arranged another specialist assessment in London earlier this week, seeking a clearer understanding of the problem.
Parkinson said the defender’s previous injury record had given Wrexham little reason to anticipate such difficulties when they signed him.
“We have the scan reports to show the injuries are there, but the circumstances as to how they have happened have left us scratching our heads a bit,” he added.
No return date for Cacace
Despite the further examination, no timescale has been set for Cacace to return to competitive football.
Parkinson made clear that the 26-year-old is not close to being available for selection.
“We will get to the bottom of it. We will find a solution, but I have to be honest that he won’t be with us for some time,” the Wrexham boss said.
Cacace made 13 competitive appearances for Wrexham last season, including 12 in the Championship.
His last club appearance came in February against Millwall, when a hamstring problem forced him off during the second half.
He subsequently returned to international action and started all three of New Zealand’s matches at the summer World Cup.
But the latest account of his injury problems confirms he has been unable to resume competitive football for his club this season.
Support from the Wrexham squad
Parkinson stressed that neither the medical staff nor Cacace has been short of effort in trying to resolve the problem.
He described the defender as committed and professional throughout the difficult period.
Team-mate Ben Whiteman also offered his support, acknowledging the frustration Cacace must be experiencing.
The midfielder said the squad were behind him and looked forward to eventually playing alongside him.
Wrexham return to Championship action at Derby on Saturday, but Cacace will remain absent as the club works with specialists to establish the cause of his repeated setbacks.
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