Paul Mullin was told that a punctured lung could sideline him for six months, but the Wrexham striker is back and has ditched a protective vest.
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Article continues below
- Injury picked up during pre-season
- Eased back into action
- Has his first goals of 2023-24
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WHAT HAPPENED?
The prolific Red Dragons frontman picked up an unfortunate injury during a pre-season clash with Manchester United on American soil. He was initially prevented from heading home, as co-owner Rob McElhenney helped to put a roof over his head in the States, but is now back in action and registered his first goals of 2023-24 last time out against Crewe.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Mullin has said of recovering from a serious knock that could have kept him out for much of the current campaign: “I came back a lot quicker than expected. I was told by one specialist that it could have been six months (out). That would have been the end of the world for me. But it does still feel like a long-term injury, as I haven’t played a proper full game since April against Yeovil at home. This (against Crewe) was my first 90 minutes for a really long time. It has been the first injury to keep me out longer than a week. It has been pleasing to score but I know I’ve still got to work as hard as I can to make me feel as good as last year.”
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WHAT THEY SAID
Mullin returned to action wearing extra padding on his chest, but he has already gone against the wishes of medical staff. He added: “I was meant to wear it for a few weeks. But I’d rather take the pain and play in discomfort. To be fair, my ribs are 100 per cent now, apart from when I lay in bed. I’ve had to become accustomed to sleeping on my right side.”
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WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Mullin hit 47 goals for Wrexham across all competitions last season, helping the Welsh outfit to promotion and an all-expenses-paid-trip to Las Vegas, and has said of rediscovering his best form following an enforced spell on the sidelines: “It is disappointing when you get injured. The toughest thing has been everyone expecting me to come back and be where I was instantly. That’s not how football works. I have had to get fit by playing games. I am still not where I want to be. Mentally, it is tough when everyone else is flying and fully fit. You are always playing catch-up when you go into games. I had to trust in the process and then the sharpness will naturally come back. It will take time to feel 100 per cent again.”