Share this @internewscast.com

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. 

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

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

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

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. 

IT’S ALL KICKING OFF! 

It’s All Kicking Off is an exciting new podcast from Mail Sport that promises a different take on Premier League football, launching with a preview show today and every week this season.

It is available on MailOnline, Mail+, YouTube , Apple Music and Spotify

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Newcastle Triumphs 2-0 Over Tottenham: Eddie Howe’s Squad Proves Competitive Edge, Reports Craig Hope – Spurs’ Cup Hopes Submerge

Newcastle United seems to thrive on the energy the Carabao Cup injects…

Inside Chelsea: Tyrique George’s Future, Cole Palmer’s Comeback Clue, Enzo Maresca’s Juventus Links & Barcelona Showdown Boost

As the January transfer window approaches, Chelsea plans to hold discussions with…

Tynecastle’s Squad Poses Strong Challenge to Rodgers’ Underperforming Bhoys

Despite being a frequent topic of conversation lately, Tony Bloom has managed…

Chelsea Lacks Creativity in 2-1 Defeat to Sunderland, Raising Doubts About Title Aspirations, Analyzes Kieran Gill

Chelsea fans found themselves on an extended trek to Stamford Bridge over…

Sydney Sweeney’s Unexpected Appearance on Fox’s World Series Coverage Provokes Strong Reactions

Sydney Sweeney took the internet by storm on Tuesday night after her…

Gary Neville Honored with Induction into Premier League Hall of Fame, Joining Eight Fellow Manchester United Icons

Gary Neville, the iconic Manchester United defender, has been honored as the…

Rangers Boss Danny Rohl Distances Himself from Russell Martin Comparison, Emphasizes Versatile Game Plans

Danny Rohl is optimistic that he can swiftly demonstrate to Rangers supporters…

Taylor Swift Adopts Low-Profile Approach at NFL Games: Insiders Reveal Reasons Behind Her Discreet Lifestyle Choices

The woman who once seemed omnipresent is now conspicuously absent, leaving everyone…