Matty James back on the grass as Wrexham assess Preston return

Matty James has resumed work on the grass after missing Wrexham’s last two matches, but his availability for the Preston North End game remains unconfirmed. The midfielder told the club he is managing a recurring back problem and wants to make sure there is no reaction as he works towards returning. He had an injection before sitting out the Derby County draw and the home defeat by West Bromwich Albion.

Training return is not a selection decision

James said he had progressed from individual work to being back on the grass. He described the issue as manageable and said he was relaxed about dealing with a problem he has experienced for several years. His account does not confirm that he is ready to start against Preston. The immediate test, he said, is whether he can return without too much discomfort.

A response after West Brom

Wrexham drew 1-1 at Derby and then lost 2-1 to West Brom while James was absent. That amounts to one point from the six available across those two league matches, calculated from the results in the club’s report. James said the manner of the West Brom defeat had been the main concern in the dressing room. “We need to put in a performance that we recognise,” he told the club. He linked that response to the principles Phil Parkinson has set for the team.

A familiar opponent

James played on loan at Preston earlier in his career. Graham Alexander’s side now arrives after five matches without victory, according to Wrexham’s preview, since the Blackburn Rovers derby win in September. Wrexham’s confirmed team announcement is the next check on whether James can be involved. His return to work on the grass is a step towards that decision, rather than a guarantee of selection.