Arthur Okonkwo, who has been out since early November, has received an injury report from Wrexham AFC manager Phil Parkinson. After making an impression during his first loan stint with Arsenal last season, the former goalkeeper joined the Red Dragons in the summer. Despite having a solid start to the season, Okonkwo broke his wrist during a 1-0 victory over Mansfield Town on November 9.
Parkinson has stated that it will still be “a while” until Okonkwo returns to action, despite the fact that the goalie was previously declared out for six weeks. With just Mark Howard available due to injuries to Okonkwo and Callum Burton, Wrexham is facing a goalkeeping dilemma.
The manager of the Hollywood club talked to The Leader after the team drew 1-1 with Bristol Rovers. The 57-year-old responded, “Arthur’s going to be a while,” when questioned about the injuries his goalkeepers had suffered. The bone and its healing process are flawless, which is fantastic.
“Really, I don’t want to date it. We’ll simply have to wait and see how he develops over the course of the following week. Mark has been excellent. His kicking and general composure were excellent against Bristol Rovers.
After their 0-0 draw with Bolton Wanderers on Friday night, the Reds lost the opportunity to get closer to Wycombe Wanderers in a challenging promotion race. The promotion-chasers have suffered because to injuries to both Wrexham’s first-choice and number-two. Parkinson, however, will be glad that the January transfer window is quickly approaching. The Dragons are severely lacking in goalkeeping, as backup keeper Burton is expected to miss the remainder of the season due to a thigh injury. Howard must have been surprised to be wearing a Wrexham shirt once more at the age of 38, as it had been a full year since the Southwark native last took the field, but in his four games thus far, he has kept two clean sheets and only allowed three goals.
However, Parkinson would be tempted to look into loan options in January given that Burton is probably out for the remainder of the season and there is no estimated time of return for Okonkwo.
In the short run, it might be prudent to recruit someone to give some depth in case Howard sustains an injury or is suspended. Naturally, the Reds will need a backup goalie when Okonkwo returns because they will only have one goalkeeper for the remainder of the season. Their best option would be to loan a keeper to cover and compete for Howard, as well as for Okonkwo upon his return. This also eliminates additional concerns in the event that Wrexham’s goalkeeping unit suffers injury once more.
