Wrexham have suffered a major fitness blow after manager Phil Parkinson confirmed that striker Sam Smith is facing a "significant" period on the sidelines due to a knee injury. The 28-year-old forward, who signed for the Dragons from Reading in January 2025, picked up the issue during Friday's 1-0 Championship defeat away at Sheffield United. Smith is set to see a medical specialist on Tuesday afternoon to determine the precise extent of the injury and establish a clear timeline for his recovery.
Parkinson explained that the player tried to continue playing at Bramall Lane before experiencing substantial swelling the following day. "Unfortunately for... it looks like he's going to face a significant period on the sidelines," the Wrexham boss said. "He came off against Sheffield and went back and carried on and his knee swelled up significantly the next day. He sees a specialist this afternoon (Tuesday) and we will know more then. Our initial thoughts are that he could need surgery, but we'll know more after today."
The loss of Smith further depletes Parkinson's attacking options ahead of Wednesday's home encounter against Championship leaders Middlesbrough at 19:45 GMT. Wrexham are already without fellow forwards Josh Windass and Nathan Broadhead, who both remain sidelined. Adding to the selection concerns, Callum O'Hare continues to be an injury doubt for the upcoming match after missing the recent setback against the Blades.
Despite the injury troubles, Parkinson stressed that the situation creates a window of opportunity for other players, notably Jamaica international Bailey Cadamarteri. The 21-year-old, who arrived from Sheffield Wednesday in January, has made five substitute appearances for the Dragons this season but has yet to start a senior fixture. "That's what happens in football clubs, people come out of the side and other people say, 'this is my chance to step up to the plate and show what I'm all about'," Parkinson stated. "Undoubtedly Bailey's going to get some game time and I'm looking forward to seeing that. Bailey's ready and chomping at the bit and with Sam's injury he's going to get an opportunity and more game time. He's trained well and he's ready."