Wrexham set for midfield boost vs Sheffield United as experienced figure ruled out
Wrexham will welcome George Dobson back into the equation ahead of Saturday’s clash with Sheffield United - but the trip to Bramall Lane will come too soon for fellow midfielder Matty James.
Dobson has missed each of the Red Dragons’ last three matches after being shown a straight red card in their pulsating 4-2 defeat to Chelsea in the fifth round of the FA Cup earlier this month.
The former Charlton Athletic man, who joined the Welsh outfit two years ago, was dismissed in stoppage time for a challenge on Chelsea winger Alejandro Garnacho following a VAR check. The contest was level at 2-2 at that juncture with Chelsea going on to win 4-2 in extra time.
Having missed Wrexham’s last three outings, the most recent of which was Tuesday night’s 3-1 defeat to Watford at Vicarage Road, the midfielder will be back available for selection against the Blades.
Dobson has been a regular fixture for Wrexham this season, making 32 Championship appearances. In his absence, coupled with other issues in midfield, centre-back Zak Vyner, who joined the club from Bristol City in February, has been forced to deputise in the engine room.
Parkinson, as quoted by BBC Sport, said: "We've been short on bodies in that midfield, the harshness of the Dobbo decision. As much as everybody was on a bit of a high after the Chelsea game because of the performance, myself and the staff knew that it was another man down, but Zak has grown into the role as well.
"I think it's key to mention him again tonight and Dobbo gives us another option now."
Although Dobson, who was an unused substitute when Wrexham beat the Blades 5-3 at the Racecourse Ground on Boxing Day, is back in contention for Saturday’s tussle at Bramall Lane, it will come too soon for midfield colleague James, who is still on the comeback trail from a toe injury.
"Matty is still a couple of weeks away, obviously he's not going to be available for the weekend and he's still got the boot on,” Parkinson continued.
"We're just hoping the healing speeds up a bit and we can get him back out there as soon as possible.
"He's gone on a long period now without training or not being able to run. He's doing everything he can in the gym to get fit."
James, who has missed Wrexham’s last nine matches, has made 33 appearances across all competitions this season.