“Wrexham’s No 1 Okonkwo faces weeks out with broken jaw, but injury not long-term amid promotion push”
- Wrexham lost their No 1 during the first half of a recent draw against Harrogate
- Mail Sport has learned issue is not long-term amid Wrexham’s promotion push
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Wrexham’s hopes of securing a double promotion have been bolstered by the news that star goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo is facing weeks, rather than months, on the sidelines.
The 22-year-old saw a specialist on Monday after breaking his jaw in the first half of a recent 2-2 draw away to Harrogate Town.
Okonkwo took a knee to the face and looked in real discomfort as he was forced off, replaced in goal by veteran deputy Mark Howard.
Mail Sport understands that Okonkwo is now expected to undergo minor surgery following specialist advice.
While there is no clear timeframe on his return – there is the potential he could return sooner with use of a mask or headgear to support his jaw – sources indicate that it is a case of weeks on the sidelines.
Arthur Okonkwo is to undergo surgery after breaking his draw in a 2-2 draw at Harrogate Town
Phil Parkinson will hope to have his loan shot-stopper back in weeks, rather than months
The on-loan shot-stopper was brave in the first half against Harrogate when he collided with striker Josh March.
Boss Phil Parkinson later explained that the medical team advised to take Okonkwo off as he was ‘dazed at half time’.
It was later stressed that it was not ‘serious’ or as bad as first feared and there is hope he will be back early in the new year.
It means that Parkinson will not be forced to dip into the transfer market for another goalkeeper in January.
Okonkwo has been a revelation at Wrexham this season and is out of contract in the summer
With Rob Lainton struggling with injury all season, Okonkwo being sidelined means Parkinson has just two senior goalkeepers available in Howard and Luke McNicholas.
Okonkwo, who is set to be a free agent in the summer when his Arsenal contract expires, has been a revelation for Wrexham this season since arriving and usurping Ben Foster and Howard as the side’s No 1.
The Dragons, co-owned by Hollywood pair Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, are targeting a double promotion after setting a record points total last season in winning the Vanarama National League.
Parkinson’s side are currently second in League Two, five points adrift of Stockport County, and are also into the third round of the FA Cup, where they take on fierce rivals Shrewsbury Town.
In a blow to Wrexham’s promotion hopes, star goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo is set to spend weeks on the sidelines after breaking his jaw during a recent match against Harrogate Town. The 22-year-old shot-stopper suffered the injury in the first half of the game, following a collision with Harrogate striker Josh March.
Okonkwo was visibly in discomfort and was substituted for veteran goalkeeper Mark Howard. The young goalkeeper saw a specialist on Monday and it has been confirmed that he will undergo minor surgery following specialist advice. While there is no specific timeline for his return, there is a possibility that he could make an earlier comeback with the use of a protective mask or headgear.
Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson expressed relief that the injury is not as serious as initially feared. The medical team recommended Okonkwo’s substitution as he was reportedly “dazed at half-time.” Parkinson is hopeful that Okonkwo will return to action early in the new year. This news will come as a relief to the club, as it means they will not have to dip into the transfer market for another goalkeeper in the upcoming January window.
Okonkwo has been a standout performer for Wrexham this season, having displaced Ben Foster and Howard to become the team’s number one goalkeeper. The young shot-stopper has been on loan from Arsenal and is set to be a free agent in the summer when his contract with the Premier League side expires.
Wrexham, co-owned by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, have set their sights on a double promotion after their record-breaking points total in the Vanarama National League last season. Currently sitting in second place in League Two, five points behind leaders Stockport County, the team is also through to the third round of the FA Cup, where they will face local rivals Shrewsbury Town.
With Rob Lainton also struggling with injury throughout the season, Parkinson now only has two senior goalkeepers available in Howard and Luke McNicholas. The manager will be hoping for a swift recovery for Okonkwo, as the team looks to maintain its promotion push in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, the loss of their number one goalkeeper will undoubtedly present a challenge for Wrexham. However, with a strong squad and the support of their passionate owners, the team will be aiming to overcome this setback and continue their impressive campaign in pursuit of promotion..
Source
Nathan Salt said On-loan Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo will undergo minor surgery after breaking his jaw against Harrogate Town … with Arsenal star facing weeks – rather than months – out
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