Former England international Jay Rodriguez is closing in on a return to action for Wrexham after being sidelined since April. The 36-year-old striker, who joined the Red Dragons from Burnley in January, has been out with a stress fracture in his ankle suffered during pre-season.
Rodriguez was omitted from Wrexham's 24-man Championship squad in September, but manager Phil Parkinson has now confirmed that he has returned to training. Alongside Rodriguez, midfielder Andy Cannon – who ruptured his ACL in February – has also resumed training.
Despite the positive news, Parkinson revealed that last season's player of the year, Ollie Rathbone, has suffered another setback. Rathbone sustained an ankle injury in pre-season and recently experienced a minor issue with his thigh, delaying his return.
Rodriguez, who earns £25,000 a week at Wrexham, last played a league match for the club in the 2-1 victory at Blackpool on 21 April. He made 17 appearances last season, scoring twice as Wrexham secured promotion from League One.
Parkinson highlighted the importance of returning players, stating they will be 'like new signings' when they come back. Wrexham currently sit 14th in the Championship table, six matches unbeaten and just three points off the play-off places.
