Wrexham forward Nathan Broadhead missed the Millwall game, and his participation lies in jeopardy for the 4th round FA Cup tie against Ipswich Town.
Apart from Wrexham’s highly direct play, another facet that contributes to the club’s singular identity is its lineup changes. Despite one of the least bulky Championship squads, Phil Parkinson prefers heavy squad rotation for every other matchday.
In all their recent games, Wrexham have seen crucial changes in their starting XI. While Parky’s policy has led the club to 3 consecutive promotions, results like Millwall happen when it backfires.
Coming on the back of consecutive wins, Parkinson changed the complete attack force all over. While this puts the onus of the 0-2 defeat on Parky, the manager wasn’t helped by a crucial pre-game injury that heavily influenced the result.
The player in discussion is Nathan Broadhead, as he stood sidelined for the home fixture due to a groin issue. As per journalist Richard Sutcliffe, Parky brought out Broadhead’s absence, saying: “We lost Broady on Tuesday to a groin problem. If he misses Friday (against Ipswich in the FA Cup) he should be okay for Bristol City the following Tuesday (Feb 17).”
This latest injury means Broadhead still has just one single stretch of 3+ starts for Wrexham in the Championship. However, the real concern is the forward’s doubtful availability for an important stretch of games ahead.
Nathan Broadhead is doubtful for Ipswich FA Cup tie
Being forced to miss the Millwall clash despite a 4-day gap from the injury, Broadhead’s groin issue is a serious one. Phil Parkinson’s message just makes the extent of the injury clear, with Broadhead’s FA Cup participation lying in jeopardy.
While a likely absence against Ipswich in the 4th round knockout confirms Broadhead’s availability for the Bristol matchday, it’s still a setback for Wrexham’s hopes. Given his Cup run with 3 G/A in 3 games this season, the forward was expected to be an important piece of the club’s attack.
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Nathan Broadhead is the only player at Wrexham to be aware of Ipswich’s inside-out. Apart from his sporting contribution, the former Ipswich star could’ve helped the Reds with his insider knowledge during the game.
Additionally, Broadhead’s absence holds back attack partner Kieffer Moore, too. Having been combining brilliantly for Wrexham in recent games, the former Ipswich duo could’ve been the Reds’ success weapon.
If Nathan Broadhead fails to make it to the 4th round FA Cup tie, Parky’s options resort to pairing Rathbone with either Josh Windass or Lewis O’Brien. Though neither of these duos is unconvincing, their effectiveness is in question.
Having tried O’Brien & Rathbone together against Millwall, the duo’s balance stood lacking in crunch moments. Not only did this affect the result, but Broadhead’s absence was felt even more.
Broadhead’s absence costed Wrexham against Millwall
Wrexham’s performance against Millwall was characterised by significant chance creation but a lack of finishing. Despite coming close to breaking the deadlock multiple times, the Reds failed to produce the goal output.
For instance, Wrexham shot 6 times on target compared to Millwall’s only one attempt, and yet ended with a loss. If not for the win, this stingy defeat could’ve been escaped with Broadhead’s presence.
Though Nathan Broadhead isn’t the central figure of Wrexham’s attack, he’s been the glue connecting it all for them. And what better form than his recent spell? Given Broadhead cumulated 5 G/A in his last 7 appearances.
With an assist for Callum Doyle’s equaliser against QPR, a sensational teed-up pass for Rathbone’s FA Cup goal against Forest, Broadhead has been an underrated breakthrough specialist for Wrexham. His assist for the go-ahead goal against Derby and his opener against Preston prove his abilities.
In Broadhead’s absence, Parky had to come up with a new and untested duo in Lewis O’Brien & Rathbone. Here, Ollie Rathbone’s occasional subpar display increased Wrexham’s problems even more.
The end result had Wrexham missing on some crucial points at the Racecourse yet again. This follows after a Norwich defeat and a winnable tie against Leicester, which has Wrexham winless in 3 home games in a row.
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