JORDAN PONTICELLI’S injury is not as bad as first feared and the striker could be back sooner rather than later.

The 22-year-old frontman has endured a stop-start campaign because of hamstring problems and he limped off with another injury during Friday’s 1-0 defeat to play-off rivals Notts County.

That meant he missed Monday’s 1-0 home loss to Torquay and although Saturday’s clash with Stockport County at The Racecourse could come too soon, Ponticelli might be available for next Tuesday’s trip to Halifax Town to add to Dean Keates’ strike options.

“JP’s injury is not as bad as we first thought,” said Keates.

“This weekend might be too soon but I would like to think he might be back within the next seven to 10 days as of Friday.”

Goalkeeper Rob Lainton was also absent for the Gulls reversal which saw Wrexham drop out of the play-offs.

Back between the posts for the previous two games after recovering from injury, Lainton was again named in the team but suffered a groin problem in the warm-up and Keates decided not to risk the first choice stopper, with Christian Dibble starting instead.

“At the minute, if we had any luck it would be no luck,” said Keates, who was also without long term injury victim Kwame Thomas and Theo Vassell, absent with a facial wound sustained against the Magpies.

“Rob felt his groin as he was warming up.

“He wanted to try and give it a go but if he takes a goal-kick or a clearance and it completely goes, we are looking at a long term injury.

“I made the decision that it was best to keep him off.”

With Shaun Pearson rested after played two games in quick succession since making his comeback from a foot injury, Jay Harris captained the side against Torquay on his 250th appearance for Wrexham.

Keates praised the midfielder - back at The Racecourse for a second spell - on reaching the landmark.

“Jay has been a great servant for this football club and it is a great achievement for him,” said Keates.

“Knowing Jay and his character, it won’t mean much because of the result.”