Wrexham trio closing in on injury returns

Wrexham sit 14th in the Championship having played 16 league games so far this season

Wrexham trio Jay Rodriguez, Andy Cannon and Danny Ward have all stepped up their returns from injury by rejoining training since the international break.

Striker Rodriguez and midfielder Cannon are yet to feature for the Red Dragons this season having been sidelined due to ankle and ACL injuries respectively.

Goalkeeper Ward started the campaign as the club's first-choice goalkeeper following his switch to the Stok Cae Ras from Leicester City but sustained an elbow injury in a 2-0 win at Millwall in August.

"We've had Rodriguez and Andy Cannon out there, Danny Ward back involved, Danny only to a lesser degree, but it's been good to get those lads out and in the group this week and at the back end of last week," said Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson.

The trio are unable to feature for Wrexham until January at the earliest, having been omitted from the initial 25-man squad list the club submitted to the English Football League (EFL) in September.

But Parkinson says Rodriguez, Cannon and Ward have all made significant contributions off the pitch during their respective recoveries.

"I think it's good for me to mention Andy because he's made a significant contribution for us in his time here. You go back to the Mansfield injury and you almost get forgotten. It's been a long journey for him and it's tough when you're injured," added Parkinson.

"It's been great to see him back and I think a lot of the new lads have been impressed with his quality already on the pitch.

"Jay as well, pre-season he came away with us and had a problem with his foot and now he seems to be through that, so he's joined in the early part of the sessions and he's still building up with the fitness guys ready to join in fully next week.

"Danny's back running out in the fresh air, he's out of the gym so he's pleased with that. He's determined to knock weeks off his recovery time and get back.

"But all three of those are always here at the games, getting right behind the lads, and even though they've not been playing themselves, they're still making a contribution."

Injuries ensured striker Kieffer Moore and defender Liberato Cacace both missed Saturday's 0-0 draw with Ipswich Town - a result that saw Wrexham extend their unbeaten Championship run to six matches.

Parkinson says the pair will continue to be assessed ahead of this week's home double-header with Bristol City and Blackburn Roversy, while confirming that midfielder Ollie Rathbone is also closer to being available.

"They're (Moore and Cacace) making good progress. It's a quick turnaround in the game and we need some more options out there," said Parkinson.

"Ollie Rathbone has done better on the (training) pitch today (Tuesday) as well."