WREXHAM, WALES - APRIL 22: Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson celebrates the win and promotion during the Vanarama National League match between Wrexham and Boreham Wood at Racecourse Ground on April 22, 2023 in Wrexham, Wales. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Phil Parkinson offers Elliot Lee update as Mansfield Town clash ‘too early’ for Wrexham star
Wrexham are back in action on Sunday afternoon with Phil Parkinson seeking a response after losing to Leyton Orient in midweek.
The League One promotion race continues and Wrexham need to be ready for battle against Mansfield Town.
Phil Parkinson suffered defeat in midweek as Wrexham lost 2-1 at home to Leyton Orient.
After going so long without a home defeat, Wrexham have lost two home League One games in a row.
Wrexham responded well to the last home defeat, winning four games in a row across all competitions after losing to Stevenage.
The defeat to Orient was a real setback and Wrexham must now show that ability to bounce back once again.
- READ MORE: How to watch Wrexham’s trip to Mansfield as Phil Parkinson’s men look to return to winning ways at the top of League One
Phil Parkinson on Elliot Lee
Wrexham head to Mansfield Town on Sunday afternoon and fans will be expecting an improved attacking performance.
Parkinson was slammed by Wrexham fans for a poor display against Orient and supporters will be seeking a step forward.
Sadly, Wrexham are set to be without star attacking midfielder Elliot Lee once again – which won’t help that push for attacking quality.
Lee was involved in a road traffic accident earlier in February, which has understandably resulted in him needing time to recover.
Lee offered an injury update just days ago though, vowing to be back on the pitch soon.
Parkinson has offered the latest on Lee, telling BBC Sport that Lee was back running again in training ahead of the Mansfield clash.
However, Parkinson added that this game will come ‘too early’ for Lee and he will still not be involved for Wrexham.
Parkinson added that Lee is feeling better though and has given his Wrexham teammates a major boost by returning to light training.
“Elliot was back on the grass this morning, running,” said Parkinson. “I think the weekend will be too early for him but it’s just good to have him back out there.
“Obviously we were concerned about Elliot and the trauma of the crash etc. The last couple of days he’s felt better and he’s been back with the lads doing the warm-up on the training pitch.
“It’s a great lift for everybody to see him back out there,” he added.
- READ MORE: Elliot Lee: Height, Position, Transfer, Salary, Net Worth and More
Wrexham must take advantage at Mansfield Town
Wrexham beat Mansfield twice last season, once in the FA Cup and once in League Two, and beat the Stags earlier this season too.
Parkinson will be looking to add another win to that tally and Wrexham really have to take advantage of this opportunity.
Firstly, Mansfield are in dire form having claimed just one point from the last eight games.
After starting the season strongly, Mansfield are plummeting down the table right now and Wrexham must seize the chance.
Additionally, second-placed Wycombe Wanderers only managed a 0-0 draw with Wigan Athletic on Saturday.
That means that a Wrexham victory at Mansfield would cut the gap to Wycombe to just three points.
Narrowing that gap would be so important for Wrexham having seen the Chairboys stretch their advantage in midweek.
This is a big chance for Wrexham and, whilst Lee is set to miss out, others must step up to secure all three points.
