Wrexham's morale-boosting 2-0 victory over Championship leaders Middlesbrough was overshadowed by the news that striker Sam Smith will miss the remainder of the season due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Smith sustained the injury during Wrexham's 1-0 defeat at Sheffield United on Friday. The 28-year-old had started all 13 of Wrexham's league games this season.
Manager Phil Parkinson confirmed Smith will undergo surgery next Wednesday and be sidelined for approximately nine months. The win ended a run of back-to-back defeats and moved Wrexham to 16th in the second tier, though they remain closer to the relegation zone than the promotion playoffs. Parkinson emphasized the team's need for honesty and commitment, stating the injury is a setback but the club's identity relies on those values.
Callum O'Hare also had to leave training earlier in the week. Despite the injury setback, Wrexham's owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac continue their push for Premier League promotion after narrowly missing a fourth straight promotion last season.
Source: ESPN Soccer · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing