Wrexham are looking to build momentum in the League One promotion race but really need to hit back after defeat at Shrewsbury Town.
Wrexham fans are probably sick of away games by now.
Phil Parkinson’s home record at Wrexham is outstanding but away form has been less than impressive.
After defeat at Barnsley on New Year’s Day, Wrexham suffered another defeat on the road at Shrewsbury Town on Thursday.
Wrexham just haven’t been good enough on the road but Parkinson will at least be encouraged by two recent injury returns.
Arthur Okonkwo and Jack Marriott are both back after long-term injuries and will give Wrexham a huge boost as Parkinson aims for the Championship.
- READ MORE: Jack Marriott shares the feeling inside the Wrexham dressing room after losing to Shrewsbury Town
Arthur Okonkwo on Jack Marriott return
Okonkwo initially returned to the bench but started against both Peterborough United and Shrewsbury Town.
The former Arsenal talent is certainly one of the top goalkeepers in League One and will be looking to capture his best form quickly.
As for Marriott, the striker enjoyed a superb start to the season before going down with a broken leg.
Parkinson has been impressed with Marriott in training and it was little surprise to see him on the bench at Shrewsbury.
Marriott was thrown on in search of a goal but Wrexham couldn’t find a crucial leveller in a 2-1 defeat.
Okonkwo has now praised Marriott’s return, mirroring Parkinson’s comments on the striker.
Speaking to Wrexham’s official website, Okonkwo suggested that Marriott is looking ‘hungry’ in training.
Okonkwo reflected on his own return, admitting that it has been frustrating to be stuck on the sidelines.
The goalkeeper added praise for Wrexham’s medical staff, believing that they have been ‘massive’ in helping him come back.
“After two weeks of being out I was able to get back out on the pitch which helped me,” said Okonkwo.
“It’s always frustrating being out injured and on the sidelines. In my time away the boys have done well which has been good to see. When you’re out there with the lads it makes you want to get back quicker, train harder and boost your recovery.
“A great example of that is Jack [Marriott], because he’s back on the pitch and you can see how hungry he is. The medical department have played a massive role in me coming back. Without them it simply would not be possible,” he added.
Jack Marriott can make a huge impact for Wrexham
Marriott couldn’t haul Wrexham level against Shrewsbury but he will be relied upon heavily moving forward.
It’s actually pretty easy to forget that Marriott endured a pretty slow start.
Marriott joined Wrexham in January last year and scored just once in 17 games before the end of the season.
Some had doubts about Marriott but he responded in style, hitting five goals in his first 10 games of the season.
Injury struck Marriott down but the 30-year-old offers another goal threat with Ollie Palmer and Paul Mullin not exactly prolific this season.
Wrexham want another striker in this January window but Marriott can make a huge impact if he recaptures his early season form.