JAMES JENNINGS is set to miss the rest of the season but Dean Keates hopes Shaun Pearson's injury does not keep him out of Wrexham's relegation battle.

Left-back Jenning sustained a knee injury in the goalless draw with Dagenham nine days ago and requires surgery.

"The scan results show James needs an operation," said Reds boss Keates. "I am gutted for the lad.

"James is a great pro, an honest lad and he helps the team."

When asked whether Jennings' campaign is over, Keates added: "It will be tough and go."

Pearson hobbled off in the second half of Saturday's 3-2 defeat against fellow strugglers Chesterfield with a foot injury.

Keates is keeping his fingers crossed it is not serious but may have to bring in reinforcements.

"Mike Fondop has gone through on the far side right in front of the linesman," said Keates.

"They end up getting a corner on the back of it, he stamped on the top of his foot and gradually it got worse.

"He got caught on it again so we will get an x-ray on it and see how it goes.

"He will have a week to try and recover if he can.

"We just seem to be having a little bit of misfortune at the minute across the back-five; we may have to readjust and go and get somebody else."

Wrexham twice took the lead at The Proact Stadium either side of the break through an own goal and Jordan Ponticelli but the Spireites levelled four minutes later on each occasion.

There was late drama as Chesterfield scored the winner in the fourth minute of injury time and Keates was frustrated Wrexham never won the game, let alone leave Derbyshire pointless.

"We are disappointed how we didn't win it," said Keates.

"We took the lead twice away from home and we have to see it through.

"Away from home, you get in front and you have to see the game through, manage little bits and pieces a bit better."

Curtis Weston scored the late winner with virtually the last kick of the game after his shot struck the underside of the bar.

Although there were question marks whether the ball had crossed the line, Keates felt his side were naive in giving Chesterfield a chance to snatch victory.

"It was questionable whether the third one was over the line, a few of the lads said it's not," said Keates.

"Unfortunately for us, the referee decided to give it and them fine lines in football just weren't on our side.

"As soon as we kicked off he blew the whistle.

"For long periods of the game we looked strong, we were organised. We dealt with everything; the long balls and the threat that they offer.

"There was a little bit of naivety, the ball's gone back in their box and Shwan Jalal comes and catches it.

"With it being in the dying seconds, somebody has to go and ruffle the goalkeeper and give a foul away; take a foul for the team.

"Work-rate, everything was there. We were more than worthy of a point and we are disappointed we didn't take three but we have come away with nothing.

"We will regroup and make sure we go and get three points next week."

Keates felt there were also doubts over whether Chesterfield's first goal should have stood but Rob Lainton admitted he was at fault for the second equaliser after failing to punch a corner clear.

"I've seen the first one back and Tom Denton is offside; the second one, Rob has held his hand up in there," said Keates.

"He has come for the punch and it has just dropped a little bit in the wind.

"You are hoping it drops down to one of our players but it dropped to one of their players in the box."