Wrexham AFC Welcomes Back Key Players Amid Injury Challenges

Lee, an all-action midfielder, has been a significant contributor to Wrexham’s remarkable ascent from the National League to the Championship. However, he is currently sidelined following knee surgery, creating an opportunity in manager Phil Parkinson’s plans.

Instead of reinforcing their midfield, Wrexham has opted to enhance their attacking options. Jay Rodriguez, who has not participated in the 2025-26 season thus far, is being welcomed back into the squad.

The 36-year-old striker was initially overlooked after battling injuries during the summer, despite being part of the pre-season tour in Australia and New Zealand. His extensive experience will now play a crucial role as he re-enters the fold.

Rodriguez joined Wrexham at the beginning of the year, signing an 18-month contract. Last season, he scored two goals in 17 appearances, contributing to the club’s automatic promotion from League One. Previously, he has competed in the Championship with Burnley, Barnsley, and West Brom, and earned a single England cap in 2013. He could be set to participate in a competitive match for the first time since April, as the Red Dragons prepare to face Sheffield United on Boxing Day.

In an official statement, Wrexham AFC announced: “Wrexham AFC can confirm that, under the EFL’s Regulation 44.9 relating to our 25-man squad list, we have made the following change, effective immediately. With Elliot Lee currently recovering from injury, he has been removed from the squad and Jay Rodriguez added.”

In addition to Rodriguez, other key players are also returning to strengthen Parkinson’s squad heading into 2026. Andy Cannon, who suffered a ruptured ACL against Mansfield in February, is back in full training. Goalkeeper Danny Ward, who dislocated his elbow during a victory over Millwall on August 30, is also making significant progress.

Ward is expected to be available again by New Year’s Day, as Football League clubs can alter their squads after the January transfer window closes. Meanwhile, training matches are being organized for Ward and Cannon to regain match fitness.

Parkinson expressed his intentions regarding these returning players, stating, “We’re looking to try and arrange a game just before Christmas for the likes of Danny, Andy, and Jay. That’s important because while I’m saying they come back into the reckoning, they’ll need the proper training and exposure to 11 v 11 before that.”

He continued, “We have Rodriguez, Cannon, and Ollie Rathbone all eager to make their mark. Rodriguez and Cannon will rejoin the squad on January 1, and Lewis Brunt is also nearing a return. When players think they have no chance, they can suddenly find a place in the team, as seen with George Thomason, who started strong after a difficult beginning to the season.”

Following the match against Sheffield United, Wrexham will conclude their 2025 schedule with a home game against Preston, before starting the new year on the road with away fixtures against Blackburn and Derby.

Despite the presence of Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, it has been suggested that Wrexham will refrain from significant spending in January, following a record-breaking £30 million-plus expenditure during the summer transfer window. As of now, the club sits 15th in the Championship table, seven points away from the playoff positions.