Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson details how the extended absence of Liberato Cacace has been key in holding back the Reds’ recent results.
The midfield has been Wrexham’s most vital department in a 3-4-3 system under Phil Parkinson. It’s no coincidence that a flurry of injuries in this department has derailed the Reds’ promotion charge in recent weeks.
Notably, a sloppy midfield display combined with a forgettable inaugural start from Zak Vyner led to a defeat against Hull City. A similar pattern emerged in the latest Watford defeat, where a lethargic midfield allowed the Hornets to carve out chances with ease.
In that regard, Wrexham have received a major boost ahead of their trip to Bramall Lane. Phil Parkinson has confirmed the return of midfielder George Dobson, while also shedding light on a key injury that has hampered the squad in recent weeks.
George Dobson will return vs Sheffield United
Until early March, Dobson had been Wrexham’s lifeline amid a spate of midfield injuries. Stepping up in the absence of Matty James and Ben Sheaf, he guided the Reds to a four‑game unbeaten streak and was playing a key role before being sent off in the FA Cup tie against Chelsea.
But Dobson’s stoppage-time red card turned everything upside down for Wrexham. Even more than the FA Cup defeat itself, the subsequent suspension reduced their midfield strength to bare bones.
As quoted by Leader Live, Phil Parkinson looked back on Dobson’s send-off, saying, “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, I knew in my mind it was another man down.”
However, George Dobson is finally back. After serving his three‑game suspension, he’s ready to face Sheffield United and will be part of the squad travelling to Bramall Lane.
Parky was excited to announce the return of Dobson, saying: “But Dobbo comes back into the frame now and gives us another option in that midfield.”
Recently, the midfielder was caught on camera in the training session highlights and looked excited on his return. George Dobson would hope to make the most of his abilities and take the side back to winning ways against the Blades.
Parky admits Liberato Cacace’s injury held Wrexham back
The club faithful would agree that some injuries have disappointed and hurt the club more than others. Boss Phil Parkinson recently singled out Cacace, detailing how his absence has held the team back.
As quoted by Leader Live, Parky said, “Of course with Matty, Sheafy, then Dobbo and Cacace which stops us from playing Tommo in the midfield , we’ve been very short on bodies in that department.”
As Parkinson mentions, the absence of Libby Cacace has left Wrexham with no natural options for the left wing-back role. Though George Thomason has been brilliant as a makeshift, he would’ve come in handy in his natural midfield role if not for Cacace’s injury.
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Moreover, Cacace’s ongoing fitness concerns have become unbearable for Wrexham. While his quality is beyond doubt, he has spent far more time on the sidelines than on the pitch.
Even now, Liberato Cacace’s return date remains unclear after a recent setback in recovery.
Phil Parkinson should avoid obvious midfield mistake vs Sheffield United
George Dobson’s return in the playing setup gives Wrexham real leverage in the midfield department. For the first time in weeks, Parkinson has two natural midfielders in Dobson and O’Brien at his disposal.
However, this boost comes with a warning that Wrexham can’t afford to ignore in their current situation.
Wrexham have already been leapfrogged by Southampton and currently sit outside the playoff zone. That means they can’t afford to experiment or rest key players at Bramall Lane.
This calls for Phil Parkinson to start both George Dobson and Lewis O’Brien together in midfield. Though it may seem obvious, Parky must resist any temptation to give O’Brien a breather against the Blades.
Agreed, it’s been 10 starts for Lewis O’Brien in a row, but Wrexham can’t afford to bench him in favour of Zak Vyner. Wrexham’s chances against Sheffield United pass through their midfield, and it needs a solid display from George Dobson and O’Brien at the centre of the park.
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