Wrexham have been dealt a major blow in their push for promotion with midfielder Ben Sheaf possibly out for the rest of the season with a serious knee injury.
Boss Phil Parkinson says Sheaf is due to see a specialist in London after damaging medial ligaments in his knee during Saturday’s win against Ipswich Town.
Advertisement
The 28-year-old – a key figure for the Red Dragons since joining from Coventry City on deadline day last summer – was replaced 16 minutes into the 5-3 victory over the Tractor Boys that took Wrexham back up into the play-off places.
“Ben’s not looking good, and it’s a real blow for us,” said Parkinson.
“He sees a specialist tonight (Monday) in London, but the initial prognosis is it’s a 10-week injury.
“He’s really unlucky, Ben, because it was just a block tackle which opened up his knee, but things happen like that in football.
“Ben will get the best possible treatment, and come back strong, but from our point of view it’s now about opportunities for other players.”
Advertisement
A full 10-week absence would run until the final game on 2 May, giving Sheaf only a slight chance of returning before the end of the campaign.
It is another blow in the midfield department, given experienced midfielder Matty James is also out with a fractured toe that he sustained in Wrexham’s 2-0 defeat by Millwall on 7 February.
But defender Zak Vyner, a January signing from Bristol City, made his debut off the bench in midfield against Ipswich and could be used there as cover.
“Predominantly Zak’s a defender, but he can play in there,” said Parkinson.
“Matty is making slower progress than we initially anticipated, but it’s all about utilising the squad.”
Advertisement
Parkinson’s men will hope to strengthen their position in the top six when they face Portsmouth at the Stok Cae Ras on Tuesday (19:45 GMT).
Wrexham have a two-point lead over seventh-placed Birmingham City as they prepare to face a Pompey side who have won successive away games to climb six points clear of the relegation zone.