Huge blow for Wrexham! Paul Mullin to miss US tour after spinal surgery as Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney's side prepare to take on Chelsea without their talisman

The Red Dragons are gearing up for their first season back in League One after achieving a second-consecutive promotion last season. They will take on the likes of Bournemouth, Chelsea and Vancouver Whitecaps in their pre-season tour across the Atlantic Ocean, but they will have to do so without their heroic forward.

Wrexham confirmed on Wednesday that the 29-year-old forward will not be part of their pre-season preparation after he underwent surgery to address a long-term problem last month. Mullin, who has been the club's top scorer in each of the last three seasons, has been plagued by lower-back and hamstring troubles for three years, the club said.

A statement from club said it is hoped that the surgery will ensure Mullin can stay fit throughout the 2024-25 campaign, adding: "There is no timeframe as yet on Mullin’s return, who will work through rehab with the club’s medical department to ensure he can return to full fitness."

Mullin, who scored 24 goals as Wrexham finished second in League Two last season, will continue his recovery while his co-stars head to the United States to begin their tour, which kicks off with a friendly against Bournemouth in California.