'He looks great' - Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson offers exciting Paul Mullin fitness update as Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny's side prepare to face Bolton

The 29-year-old forward underwent minor spinal surgery in June, forcing him to miss the opening fixtures of Wrexham’s 2024-25 League One campaign. Despite his absence, Wrexham managed to secure a 3-2 victory over Wycombe Wanderers in their first game of the season, marking their return to League One after two decades. However, Mullin's presence on the pitch has been sorely missed, particularly during the team's EFL Cup first-round exit against Sheffield United earlier this week.

Parkinson has yet to set a specific date for Mullin’s return but expressed his satisfaction with the progress the player has made in his rehabilitation. "In terms of his injury, he looks great," Parkinson shared with BBC Sport Wales.

"Fitness-wise, he’s got work to do but he’s been out on the grass for the last week and he’s getting stronger each day. It’s a great lift for us to have Paul out there. We’ve got to be patient – we don’t want to re-injure him by exposing him too soon – but equally, he’s been a fantastic player for us.”

In addition to Mullin's absence, Wrexham are also grappling with concerns over new signing Ollie Rathbone. The midfielder made his debut during the EFL Cup defeat to Sheffield United, after joining for a club-record fee from Rotherham United, but may now be sidelined for the team’s upcoming match against Bolton.

“Ollie Rathbone took a whack and he’ll be touch and go whether he makes it this weekend, but it won’t keep him out much longer than the weekend. We’ll assess him," informed Parkinson.

With Mullin, Rathbone and other key players like Jacob Mendy currently unavailable, the Red Dragons have had to rely on the depth of their squad to secure results. There is little doubt that the fixture against Bolton will be another stern test as they continue to adjust to life back in League One, but Wrexham fans will be hoping for another strong performance on the road after getting the better of Wycombe in their campaign opener.