Wrexham striker Jack Marriott is facing a spell on the sidelines after undergoing emergency surgery to remove his appendix during the club's pre-season tour of Australia and New Zealand. The 30-year-old, who featured in friendlies against Melbourne Victory and Sydney, was forced to miss the clash with Wellington Phoenix due to the procedure.
Manager Phil Parkinson confirmed the news ahead of the Wellington match, stating that Marriott is recovering in hospital and will be unable to fly home for at least two weeks. The NHS recommends a rest period of two weeks following such surgery, with longer recovery expected for athletes.
Marriott's absence casts doubt on his availability for Wrexham's Championship opener at Southampton on August 9. Midfielder Ollie Rathbone is also a concern after picking up an ankle injury in the 2-1 loss to Sydney.
Parkinson said: 'Jack is in hospital, he has had his appendix out this morning. Hopefully the operation has gone well but it looks like he is going to have to stay over here longer because he won't be able to fly back.'
With strikers Steven Fletcher and Sam Dalby having left the club, and Paul Mullin loaned to Wigan, Wrexham may enter the transfer market for a new forward. The club has already signed left-back Liberato Cacace from Empoli for a fee that could exceed £1 million.
