ROB LAINTON’S injury nightmare continues with Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson revealing that the Reds’ keeper will be out for four months after knee surgery.

Lainton, who started only six games last season when Wrexham sealed the National League title, has been plagued by injury over the past two years, breaking his wrist and suffering concussion.

But a knee problem has kept him sidelined for months and the 34-year-old shot-stopper had surgery which Parkinson has described as ‘very successful’.

“Rob had an operation and it was very successful,” said Parkinson. “It’s been a very frustrating time for Rob. He’s seen three different specialists but we hope this will sort the problem although he is going to be out for four months.”

The number one spot at The STóK Cae Ras this season has been an issue with former England international Ben Foster deciding to retire just a month into Wrexham’s return to the Football League.

Parkinson brought in Arsenal goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo on loan from Mikel Arteta’s side but he injured his jaw in the 2-2 draw at Harrogate last month.

He has had minor surgery and is expected to return in weeks and not months, meaning veteran Mark Howard, who kept a clean sheet in the 3-0 FA Cup second-round win over Yeovil Town, will keep his place between the sticks for Saturday’s home clash against Colchester United.

And Parkinson revealed that a number of players on the injured list are progressing well as the Reds head into a busy run of festive fixtures.

Ryan Barnett, Anthony Forde, Eoghan O’Connell, Aaron Hayden, Jordan Tunnicliffe and striker Steven Fletcher are on the sidelines along with keepers, Okonkwo and Lainton.

“Having players back will be a real boost to the squad, especially over this busy and exciting time in the season,” said Parkinson, whose side are in second place in the League Two table, six points behind leaders Stockport County.

Saturday’s clash with Colchester will be a nostalgic one for Parkinson.

His first job in management was at Colchester where he led the Essex side to the Championship for the first time in the club’s history.

“I have so many fantastic memories from my time at Colchester where I learnt so much as a young manager,” said Parkinson.