Christmas present has arrived early for Wrexham with injured defender Issa Kabore leaving a fitness update about his return to AFCON action.
Feels weird to think of as a Wrexham fan, but the “fewer games, happier faces” formula seems to be making sense day by day. Especially, the way Parky’s side has succumbed to a week-long gap in the last 2 matchdays.
Even from a fan’s perspective, tasting the club’s bland tactical system too often makes little sense without improvement. And what better than to complement it with some spicy International action?
In case you’re still getting your mind around what we’re talking about, we discuss the ongoing AFCON 2025.
Agreed, both spatially and historically, a link to African football comes unnatural to Welsh locals. But witnessing moments like Patson-Daka’s goal celebration fail calls in for a Championship connect.
Well, the bond becomes even stronger knowing a Wrexham star is to showcase his mettle in the competition, too. Yes, the prodigy who’s been missed far too much recently, Issa Kabore.
Check Wrexham fans’ Christmas stockings, and quite a lot of them would’ve imprinted it with a return-soon message for the 24-year-old. Now, as per tradition, Santa is to read their demands on 24th midnight, but it seems like he has already blessed the Dragons fanbase with this ask.
That’s because, credit to Faso Sports’ X announcement, Issa Kabore has self-updated about his improved health while being with Burkina Faso’s squad for AFCON. Kabore gave a 3-word, concise yet impactful message, saying: “I’m in shape.”
When will Kabore return for Wrexham?
Agreed, it’d be too much speculating about Kabore’s club return after the wing-back just updated on his health. Still, the fans’ excitement to have him back must be understood, for the sporting lucky charm he brought to the Wrexham side.
Not to forget, with Kabore in the Championship, Dragons only lost 1 game of his short-but-sweet 10-game spell so far. Which increases the excitement even more, as to when he will return?
Taking note of Burkina Faso’s (Kabore’s national side) schedule, the side finishes its group stage games at the end of the year on 31st December. The schedule ahead remains completely unknown.
Well, and when I say unknown, it holds definite weight. Given Burkina Faso’s previous AFCON performances range from a Runners-Up finish in 2013 all the way to even a Group stage elimination in 2015.
In a nutshell, Kabore’s return to the Wrexham camp remains unknown, in addition to his game time at the AFCON. What is still definite is how crucial he will be in Wrexham’s promotion hopes after his return.
Kabore’s re-entry helps Wrexham’s biggest tactical strength
The last month has clearly painted the biggest loopholes in Parky’s system. With opposition gaffers often opting for a possession-style of play against Wrexham, they have literally thrown the Dragons out of the game at times.
Attention here. My point isn’t that Kabore’s return solves it all, but his presence allows Wrexham to do what they excel at.
It ain’t hidden from anybody that Phil Parkinson and his side played their best Championship games with Kabore to supplement those crosses for Wrexham forwards. The 24-year-old’s numbers complement this reality as Kabore is still the club’s joint-top assister despite missing quite a lot of games.
What must be noted is that Kabore’s availability doesn’t just improve Wrexham’s offensive firepower, but his appreciable work rate to cover the complete right flank is exceptional. That says a lot for how the Dragons’ defensive work has deteriorated without him, with them averaging 2 goals over the last 3 matchdays.
Sounds harsh to say, but even employing both Ryan Barnett and Ryan Longman together hasn’t compensated for the 24-year-old’s absence. The hope remains that Kabore makes the right flank his own soon, allowing for Wrexham’s increased promotion hopes.
