Wrexham fans will be looking forward to seeing their side back in action following the international break.
Phil Parkinson’s side welcome QPR to the Racecourse Ground in their first Championship fixture following the two-week absence.
It could provide fans with the chance to see Wrexham’s deadline day signings of Ben Sheaf and Dominic Hyam for the first time. Issa Kabore impressed on international duty too.
Parkinson named his final Championship squad following the conclusion of the transfer window and left a place open with a number of injury concerns on his hands. He is now set to fill that final spot.
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Ollie Rathbone expected to be named as final player in Wrexham’s Championship squad
Speaking to the Leader, Parkinson has provided an update on the fitness of last season’s player of the year Ollie Rathbone as he continues to recover from an ankle injury.
Rathbone picked up the injury during Wrexham’s first game of their pre-season tour down under and Parkinson was expected to review his squad in January.
However, it appears that the midfielder is closing in on a quicker return than anticipated and is excellent news for the Red Dragons.
Parkinson stated: “I think Ollie is closing in, I just wanted to make sure Ollie got through this week in training and the signs are looking positive, and he’ll be back in a couple of weeks.
“We need Ollie back, he’s a key player for us. He was instrumental for us last year. He’s a player who has played in the Championship; first year did well, second one was a difficult one at Rotherham because they had a very weak squad.
“But he’s played at this level and when he signed for us, he was determined to get back into the Championship.
“His start to the season has been curtailed but obviously he’s a very naturally fit player and the sooner we get him back involved in football, the better. His energy and his quality, I can’t wait to get Ollie back out with us.”
Wrexham have missed Ollie Rathbone’s energy in midfield
Although Wrexham will be reasonably pleased with their start to the season, there have been glaring instances where they have missed Rathbone in the middle of the park.
He is a player with such energy and enthusiasm, the second half performances against Southampton and Sheffield Wednesday in particular were crying out for his presence.
When the likes of Matty James and George Dobson tire, Rathbone will be an excellent option from the bench to add impetus into Wrexham’s approach.
Rathbone may find himself confined to the bench initially given the competition for places, however, Parkinson will know his true value to the side moving forward this season.