Wrexham striker Jack Marriott out for at least four months
PHIL PARKINSON is not looking to sign a replacement for leading scorer Jack Marriott who will be out of action for at least four months.
Marriott bagged five goals in the opening 10 games, helping Wrexham climb up to second in League One, but the 30-year-old suffered a broken fibula in training last week.
Parkinson, speaking after Saturday’s 1-0 win at Rotherham United which keeps the Reds two points behind leaders Birmingham City, dedicated the victory to Marriott who is not expected to be available until at least February.
“It was a really low day for us all at the training ground on Thursday,” said Parkinson.
“Jack struck a ball at goal with no-one near him but his foot went from underneath him and he’s broken his fibula so he faces an operation on Monday.
“I’m thinking four months minimum at the moment. It is a serious injury.
“We feel for him a lot but unfortunately throughout the course of the season, things happen.
“I am so proud of the staff and the players, how everyone picked themselves up to train again on Friday, and go again into the Rotherham game and put in a resilient, typical, gritty Wrexham performance.
“How low everybody was on the training ground, I think that makes today’s performance for Jack because that was a tough moment for him to get an injury in such innocuous circumstances
“He has started the season really well but in adversity, sometimes you have got to pull together and we will make sure Jack gets the best possible treatment he can and comes back ready to hopefully contribute before the season finishes.”
Clubs are only allowed to bring in free agents until the winter transfer window opens in January but Parkinson is not seeking a replacement for Marriott.
Star striker Paul Mullin, who underwent spinal surgery in the middle of June to correct a long-term lower-back and hamstring issue, has been managed by Parkinson this season.
But Mullin, making just his second league start of the campaign, scored after just 16 seconds at Rotherham and Parkinson is also delighted with the form of Ollie Palmer, who last week signed a contract extension.
“We have got an outstanding player in Mulls whose performance was brilliant and I thought Ollie was tremendous,” said the Reds’ boss, who can also call upon Steven Fletcher and Mo Faal in attack.
“Ollie worked tirelessly for the team and kept the ball at the top of the pitch which is so important.
“We have got options and if someone gets injured, another player gets the opportunity to step-up.”
