Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson has received a welcome boost as four key players edge closer to returning from injury. Issa Kabore, Kieffer Moore, Matty James and Max Cleworth are all set to rejoin the squad, providing a timely lift as the club pushes for a Championship play-off spot.
Manchester City loanee Kabore has been sidelined since November with a hamstring injury. The 24-year-old right wing-back, previously described by Parkinson as 'off the scale', has resumed training after featuring for Burkina Faso in the Africa Cup of Nations. 'Issa's had his minutes away at the back end of the Afcon. He needs this week in training to see where he is,' Parkinson said.
Wales international Moore, Wrexham's top scorer with 12 goals this season, has missed the last three games with a hamstring complaint. Parkinson noted that Moore could have been on the bench for the FA Cup win over Nottingham Forest if not for poor weather. 'That's given us the opportunity to work with him on the training pitch this week,' he added.
James and Cleworth missed the Forest match with back and tendon issues respectively. Cleworth's absence sparked transfer rumours, which Parkinson refuted. 'Max and Matty needed that break. Matty had an injection in his back on Friday. Max has been carrying on with a problem in his tendon for a while,' Parkinson explained. Both are now training.
Kabore expressed his eagerness to return, telling The Leader: 'I am really happy to be back. I was very disappointed to get injured but that is football. Now it is very important to be back very soon.' Wrexham sit ninth in the Championship, one point off the play-offs, and host Norwich City on Saturday.
