Paul Mullin’s punctured lung rocks Wrexham, causing anger, pain and flight worries
He’s the goalscoring talisman who Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney once described as the most famous footballer in the U.S. after Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
He’s also regarded as “priceless” by his manager and possesses “frightening ability”, according to his captain. In a shattering blow for the League Two club, however, this deadly striker will also miss the start of the EFL season after suffering a punctured lung in a 3-1 victory over Manchester United in San Diego.
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Paul Mullin, whose first two years at the newly sponsored SToK Cae Ras have yielded 79 goals in 97 appearances, spent Tuesday night in a San Diego hospital after requiring oxygen on the field following a sickening collision during his side’s third game on their U.S. tour.
GO DEEPER
Wrexham downs Man Utd despite losing Mullin to injury
Just how long the 28-year-old will be out remains to be seen, but it is expected to be a few months. He will see a specialist later today and only then will the club know the full extent of the injury, Parkinson having been told during the second half against United that the initial diagnosis was a “small” puncture.
Even that, though, is likely to cause a major headache with medical advice suggesting anyone suffering even a slight tear in the lung should not fly until it is fully healed and the lining fully sealed. This can take up to two weeks — opening up the possibility of Mullin having to stay behind when his team-mates fly home from New York on Saturday morning.
Wrexham have a further headache, in terms of whether to turn to the transfer market for a replacement before the August 5 opener against Milton Keynes Dons. Parkinson admits no decision will be taken until the severity of the damage is revealed.
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