Wrexham promotion bid given Arthur Okonkwo injury boost involving jaw surgery & protective mask for on-loan Arsenal goalkeeper

The on-loan Arsenal goalkeeper has impressed for the Red Dragons through 13 appearances this season. The highly-rated 22-year-old has made the No.1 spot his own, but was ruled out of action after taking a blow to the face during a 2-2 draw with Harrogate.

Phil Parkinson said of that injury at the time: “I don't think it is too serious but he was a bit dazed at half-time so the medical team felt it was the right thing to bring him off. I am not a physio, I have got to go with their judgment.”

According to the Daily Mail, Wrexham have welcomed the news that Okonkwo could be sidelined for a matter of weeks – rather than months. He is expected to undergo a minor operation in the coming days, having met with a specialist, and could see a protective mask, or another form of headgear, pieced together that would allow him to return to the field.

No clear timescale has been put on his recovery, but the Red Dragons will be eager to see Okonkwo back sooner rather than later. For now, veteran shot-stopper Mark Howard is providing cover as Wrexham seek to cement their standing among the League Two promotion hopefuls.