Wrexham's first Championship win of the season was marred by distressing scenes as Danny Ward was given lengthy treatment on the pitch.
Parkinson discusses Ward conditionGoalkeeper set for spell out of actionSuffered concussion & elbow injuryFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Ward was involved in a collision with a Millwall player in the closing stages of Saturday's victory – Wrexham's first in the second tier of English football in 43 years. He seemed to land awkwardly on his elbow, causing damage, but a blow to the head also left him concussed. With medics taking no chances around the head and neck area, the goalkeeper was carefully placed onto a back board, while oxygen was also administered.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson was left to field media questions about Ward's condition. He wasn't able to offer much in the way of detail, but suggested the club are fearing a lengthy absence. Arthur Okonkwo replaced the Wales international for the final stages of the match, with 16 additional minutes played because of the long delay. The second goal of the 2-0 scoreline came from Lewis O'Brien in that time and was dedicated to Ward.
WHAT PARKINSON SAID
"It doesn't look promising when you see a player stretchered off like that. All we can do is wait and keep our fingers crossed," Parkinson said.
"But [Kevin Mulholland, physio] has said to me it doesn't look good so when the physio says that to you, you're fearing the worst. I think the concussion alone will rule him out for a certain period."
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT?
Ward will have to withdraw from Wales' squad for internationals against Kazakhstan and Canada. At club level, Okonkwo, who has been number one for much of the last two seasons, will reclaim his starting place for the foreseeable future. With Callum Burton the only other senior cover, Wrexham could also dip into the transfer market before the summer deadline.
