Wrexham striker Sam Smith to miss rest of the season with cruciate injury

Wrexham striker Sam Smith has been ruled out for nine months after suffering a cruciate ligament injury during a 1-0 defeat against Sheffield United. Manager Phil Parkinson confirmed that the 28-year-old saw a specialist and is scheduled to undergo surgery next Wednesday, ruling him out for the remainder of the season.

Smith's absence leaves top scorer Kieffer Moore as Wrexham's only fit senior striker, increasing opportunities for 21-year-old Bailey Cadamarteri. Wrexham faces several other injury setbacks, including Callum O'Hare, Josh Windass, Nathan Broadhead, and Libby Cacace, though Parkinson insists the club will not use injuries as an excuse following their recent 2-0 win over Middlesbrough.