GEORGE EVANS is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after damaging ankle ligaments in Tuesday’s 1-0 League One defeat at Stevenage.

The midfielder hobbled off just before the break and Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson had bad news to report.

He said: “George’s injury looks a serious one which is a shame for him.

“He had a bit of a disjointed start to the season and just got himself back in good shape ready to compete for his place.

“It was an innocuous incident, the lad has almost fallen on him and we really feel for George.

“It looks like he is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.”

Centre-back Max Cleworth also damaged ankle ligaments in last Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Leyton Orient but his injury is not as bad as Evans.

“George’s is a lot more serious than Max,” added Parkinson.

“We are just waiting for the swelling to go down with Max before we can give a definitive timescale on when he will be back.”

Parkinson revealed midfielder Ollie Rathbone (thigh) has returned to training and will be assessed ahead of Saturday’s home game against Northampton Town where second placed Wrexham boast a 100 per cent record after four league games.

“It will be good to be back at The Racecourse,” added Parkinson.

“We are pleased with the start to the season we’ve made at home, we have been good and we are looking forward to continuing that.

“We always respect the opposition. Northampton have had a couple of bad results at home but it is about us regrouping and resetting as a team after the defeat on Tuesday.”