THOMAS BLOW FOR THE DRAGONS
WREXHAM have suffered a huge blow to their National League promotion challenge after striker Kwame Thomas was ruled out for up to nine months with injury.
The Reds’ leading scorer ruptured his left Achilles’ in training on Thursday and is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
In fact, manager Dean Keates expects the frontman to be be ruled out for at least six months.
“He has just gone up for a header and as he landed we heard the scream,” said Keates.
“One of the lads was in the region of it and said he heard the click.
“The sheer pain that the lad was in after that, it wasn’t going to settle down so straight away we knew the worst.
“We got him straight off to hospital and scanned, and unfortunately for Kwame it is going to be a long journey, a long process.
“He is looking at six to nine months. But we will make sure he gets all the right treatment and we will look after him going forward.”
Thomas was missing on Friday as Wrexham lost 1-0 at play-off rivals Notts County and Keates says he will be a big loss in the run-in.
“He was in and out first half of the seasonm but he got his opportunity,” said Keates.
“He has been absolutely immense over this period that we are in now to get us to where we are now in the league.
“It is a massive blow, It is unfortunate, but we will support him and make sure he is in the right frame of mind going forward.”
Thomas was in the stands at Meadow Lane as Wrexham continued the promotion push without him and Keates said: “He is in a good, upbeat mindset.
“He came to the game because he wanted to be a part of the group. That is what Kwame is about, he offers so much for the team even though he can’t give us what we want on the pitch.”
Things got worse for Keates as Jordan Ponticelli - Thomas’ replacement - went off with a hamstring injury against County leaving Dior Angus as the only recognised striker as Jake Bickerstaff is on loan at Caernarfon and can’t be recalled
Keates is unable to make permanent or loan signings and can only recruit free agents as he looks to bolster his attacking options and the Reds’ boss has already started to make enquiries.
“I had a conversation with the powers that be,” said Keates. “Now it is just outof-contract players with our situation.
“We have got to look at that situation now and we have to address it.
“We need another body, there is no denying that.
“I will make a few phone calls and see what is about.”
Wrexham entertain Torquay United at The Racecourse tomorrow (3pm).