Wrexham Receive Encouraging International Fitness News

Phil Parkinson has received encouraging fitness news concerning Wrexham’s international representatives as preparations continue for Saturday’s Championship fixture at Derby County.

A report from The Leader says the manager has welcomed the lack of injury problems among players returning from international commitments.

Danny Ward, Kieffer Moore, Issa Kaboré, Jacques Ekomié and Bailey Cadamarteri were all on international duty during the extended three-week period and are set to return in good condition, with arrangements in place, much like most clubs, for a staggered return.

Ward and Moore were given time off after representing Wales, while Kaboré and Ekomié resumed training after their international commitments. Cadamarteri was the last player due back after playing for Jamaica.

The lack of injury news is encouraging and gives Parkinson more confidence as Wrexham head to the Midlands for a tough away trip, looking to make it two wins in a row for the Red Dragons.

The international period has produced different workloads across the squad. Ward and Moore both played in Wales’ Nations League matches, with Moore starting against Denmark after appearing from the bench against Portugal.

Ward’s involvement also provided competitive football after a period without first-team club appearances, following the arrival of Anthony Patterson from Premier League side Sunderland. This was his first match since Wrexham’s EFL Cup defeat at Middlesbrough before the Championship campaign began.

Danny Imray and Ollie Rathbone have resumed training after hamstring and ankle ligament problems respectively, which will also be welcome news to Parkinson ahead of the game.

Imray had missed the Southampton victory, while Rathbone was absent for the previous two fixtures. Their returns broaden the group available for assessment as Wrexham move from an extended break into a busy league programme.

The immediate challenge is Derby at Pride Park, where Wrexham won 2-1 last season. The hosts have collected only five points from their opening eight Championship games and have lost their last three home league fixtures. So they will hope to kick-start their league campaign following the extended international break.

Wrexham, meanwhile, return after beating Southampton 2-1 but still need to repair their away form after the 6-0 defeat at West Ham.

October also brings fixtures against West Bromwich Albion, Preston North End, Blackburn Rovers and Sheffield United, making squad depth relevant beyond Saturday’s starting line-up.

Parkinson will welcome the news that everyone looks to have returned without any major concerns, and with Imray, who started the season in fine form, also likely to be back, the Wrexham manager will hope a healthy squad can secure three points at Pride Park at the weekend.