Injury nightmare for Wrexham! Phil Parkinson dealt blow as goalkeeper Rob Lainton joins Arthur Okonkwo on sidelines and faces four months out after knee surgery

Lainton has struggled with injuries for the previous two years and started just six games last season as Wrexham won the National League. Parkinson has now confirmed he is set for another lay-off after undergoing surgery. The news means that Wrexham are short of options between the sticks currently.

“Rob had an operation and it was very successful,” said Parkinson. “It’s been a very frustrating time for Rob. He’s seen three different specialists but we hope this will sort the problem although he is going to be out for four months.”

Only one month into Wrexham's return to League Two, former England goalkeeper Ben Foster announced his retirement, creating a problem for the Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds-owned team. Parkinson brought in Arsenal goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo from Arsenal on loan, but he is currently sidelined with a jaw injury, meaning Mark Howard will continue in goal.

Howard will take his place as the starting goalkeeper for the side when they take on relegation battlers, Colchester United on Saturday, December 16.