Wrexham AFC manager Phil Parkinson faces another injury worry ahead of this weekend’s Championship game against Watford, as summer signing Danny Imray has picked up a knock in the all-Welsh derby on Monday evening.
Imray needed treatment after a fall in the first half of Monday night’s 1-1 draw with Cardiff City, which briefly stopped play. Luckily, the 23-year-old stayed on the pitch until the 75th minute, when Ryan Longman came on for him.
Phil Parkinson will be worried about possibly losing Imray, who has already made a big impact since joining from Crystal Palace this summer and was one of the team's best players against a tough Cardiff side.
In Cardiff, Imray stood out as one of Wrexham’s top performers. He set up the opening goal in the third minute, giving Kieffer Moore a perfect chance to score. Imray also tested Cardiff’s goalkeeper Nathan Trott as Wrexham AFC pushed for a second goal.
Wrexham AFC had to settle for a point after Rubin Colwill’s outstanding stoppage-time equaliser denied them a win, but Imray’s strong showing again highlighted why the club invested heavily in him this summer.
Imray, who previously played for Premier League side Crystal Palace, joined Wrexham for around £5 million after impressing on loan at Bromley, Blackpool, and most recently with West Bromwich Albion in the Championship.
Imray’s ability to add width and attack down the right is key to Phil Parkinson’s system. Wrexham’s wing-backs often push high up the pitch, so Imray is expected to help both in defence and in attack.
Imray’s involvement against Cardiff showed how important the signing was. After the game, analysts noted he was one of Wrexham’s best players and that the team’s right side weakened after he went off.
Phil Parkinson will therefore hope the problem is minor as attention turns to Saturday’s home opener against Watford, who kicked off the new season with a 2-1 home victory. Initially receiving treatment is encouraging, although Wrexham will understandably assess his condition before deciding whether he can feature this weekend.
With the Championship season just beginning, Phil Parkinson is unlikely to risk one of his key summer signings unnecessarily, though early indications are that he will make the lineup.
The Hornets carry a threat going forward, having scored two on opening day, with Amin Nabizada and Iker Bravo scoring the goals. They beat Wrexham at home last season. Winning at the Racecourse is a different challenge. Danny's inclusion in the starting eleven will only increase Wrexham's chance of securing those important three points.
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