Wrexham AFC fans can breathe a cautious sigh of relief as star striker Paul Mullin is firmly on the road to recovery following a serious pre-season injury that sent shockwaves through the football community.
The talismanic forward suffered a punctured lung after a heavy challenge from Wigan Athletic defender Charlie Hughes during a friendly match in July. The incident, which occurred in the United States, left Mullin hospitalised and cast a dark cloud over the Red Dragons' preparations for their League Two campaign.
The Road to Recovery
In a major boost for the club, manager Phil Parkinson has provided a positive update, confirming Mullin has returned to light training. "He's back on the grass, doing some running and progressing well," Parkinson stated, while wisely tempering expectations for an immediate return to first-team action.
This careful, phased approach highlights the severity of the injury and the club's priority to ensure their key man makes a full and sustainable recovery, rather than a rushed comeback.
Wigan's Response and Fallout
The challenge and its aftermath prompted a significant response from the opposing club. Wigan Athletic moved swiftly to issue a formal apology to both Mullin and Wrexham, a gesture that was acknowledged and accepted by the Welsh club.
Despite the severity of the tackle, Parkinson confirmed that Wrexham would not be pursuing any formal complaint with the Football Association (FA), choosing to draw a line under the incident and focus solely on Mullin's rehabilitation.
What This Means for Wrexham
Mullin's absence is profoundly felt. As the club's top scorer for three consecutive seasons, his goal-scoring prowess is the engine of the team. His journey back to full fitness is being meticulously managed, with the club's medical team leading the process to determine his exact return date.
For now, the focus remains on steady progress. Mullin's return to the training pitch is the most encouraging step yet, offering hope that fans will soon see their favourite number ten back on the pitch, doing what he does best.
