Wrexham AFC manager Phil Parkinson is hoping to have Arthur Okonkwo back at the club soon, but he admits it’s up to Arsenal.

Arsenal goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo was forced off during a match for loan club Wrexham in November after a blow to the head.

The goalkeeper required treatment on the pitch twice, receiving painkillers, and he flapped at a cross in an uncharacteristic fashion.

Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson then opted to withdraw him at half-time, with the goalkeeper reportedly feeling “dazed”.

The BBC then reported that Okonkwo had returned to Arsenal for minor surgery on his jaw, and the player will likely have to play in a protective mask on his return.

At the time, the BBC claimed Okonkwo was only expected to be out for weeks, rather than months. Parkinson suggested on Thursday that he’s hoping to have the goalkeeper back very soon.

“Arthur is at Arsenal today and he has gone to hopefully get the all-clear to get back and join up with us,” Parkinson explained.

“We’re eager to have him in and around the building and get him back on the training pitch.

“He’s Arsenal’s player and under their care, but equally, if he gets the thumbs up then we’ll get him back involved.”

Okonkwo was in a good run of form prior to his injury, with three clean sheets in his previous four games.

The Athletic report that before the match against Harrogate Town, Okonkwo had overperformed his xG conceded by 2.4 goals this season, facing 11.4 xG worth of chances but only conceding nine times.

The 22-year-old has made 13 appearances in all competitions this season, keeping six clean sheets, and he’d started every match in League Two and the FA Cup from his league debut on September 30th until his injury on November 28th.