Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson is anxiously awaiting news on the ankle injury suffered by new signing Kieffer Moore, which could undermine the club’s Championship campaign.
It came during Wrexham’s dramatic 2-1 defeat to Southampton, after which Parkinson admitted the Wales striker’s absence would be a major setback.
Moore, who joined from Sheffield United just last week, was outstanding on his Championship debut for the club, winning a first-half penalty converted by Josh Windass and leading the line with power and intelligence.
But the 32-year-old’s afternoon was cut short in the 54th minute when he appeared to damage ankle ligaments after a blocked shot, forcing him to hobble off and be replaced by Sam Smith.
“Losing Kieffer with his injury was obviously a blow for us because his performance was outstanding,” said Parkinson.
“Everything we know he brings to us and we're just going to assess that injury as quickly as we can.”
Wrexham played their full part in a celebratory atmosphere at St. Mary’s, but for now all eyes are on the fitness of Moore, a marquee summer signing whose presence was expected to be central to Wrexham’s Championship push.
Parkinson’s hopes of sustaining momentum from their record-breaking three successive promotions could rest heavily on how quickly his new striker recovers.
The good news for Wrexham is their new look side showed they could compete with one of the division’s promotion favourites, holding their own in possession and creating several promising moments.
READ MORE: Phil Parkinson Insists Wrexham Rise Can Continue Despite the Doubters
But the loss of Moore — potentially for weeks or months — could force the manager into an early reshuffle.
For now, the focus is on medical scans and swelling reduction before a clearer prognosis can be made.
If the damage is minimal, Moore could return within weeks. If it’s more severe, Wrexham’s recruitment team may need to act quickly to ensure the squad retains the firepower needed to compete in a punishing Championship campaign.
Parkinson is no stranger to adversity — his tenure has been marked by big challenges and big responses — but he knows this one could be particularly decisive.
With a demanding run of fixtures ahead and little margin for error in a league as competitive as the Championship, the next update on Moore’s condition will be awaited with as much anticipation in the stands as in the dressing room.
The injury overshadowed what had been a promising display from the newly promoted side, who looked set for a dream start to life back in the second tier.
Wrexham were still leading 1-0 heading into the 90th minute, but Southampton equalised through a superb Ryan Manning free-kick before captain Jack Stephens struck the winner deep into stoppage time.
READ MORE: Big Spending Wrexham Somehow Maintain Glitzy Underdog Appeal as Season Looms
Adding to Parkinson’s frustration was the fact that Moore’s penalty-winning moment came under controversial circumstances.
The Wrexham boss felt Saints defender Ronnie Edwards should have been sent off for the foul, claiming it denied a clear goalscoring opportunity.
“I want to look at the moment again when he [Moore] is clean through [on goal] and gets pushed down for the penalty,” Parkinson said.
“My interpretation of that rule is that if it's an intentional push it's a straight red… I can't see how he's not got that right, it's a game-changing moment if they go down to 10 men.”
Referee James Bell opted not to even show a yellow card, apparently judging that Jack Stephens was close enough to provide cover.
READ MORE: Kieffer Moore Vows Leadership Role After Completing Wrexham Move
Parkinson disagreed. “If you're about to strike the ball on goal and the player intentionally pushes you to the ground, the ref's got to make that call right… I'm sure the ref will look at that and see we've been harshly treated.”
The Moore setback comes as Parkinson has already seen his attacking options thinned.
Jay Rodriguez and midfielder Ollie Rathbone are currently sidelined, while forward Mo Faal has left on loan to Port Vale for the season.
“The time is right for Mo to go and play,” Parkinson said of Faal’s temporary exit.
“At times he would have been a bit frustrated he didn't get more game-time but that is part of being in a successful team and successful club.”
