Calf setback sidelines Wrexham Windass before Leeds clash in Tampa

Josh Windass suffered a calf setback in training, confirming he will miss Wrexham's pre‑season friendly against Leeds United at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on Sunday at 00:30 BST. The 32‑year‑old forward was ruled out following the training incident, leaving the Red Dragons short‑handed.

The club announced that Windass, the season’s top‑scorer, will not feature against the Premier League Whites, with manager Phil Parkinson confirming the decision on Sunday. The rest of the squad remains fit for the game, 2025 after more than five years at Sheffield Wednesday, a move captured in a Getty Images] photo. The transfer marked the first signing of the new campaign for the Welsh club.

Despite travelling with the 28‑man squad to the United States of America, the striker did not feature in either of the Red Dragons' summer matches against Wisla Krakow or Manchester United. He remains part of the travelling party but will sit out the Leeds fixture.

"He's had a setback with his calf injury, which is a shame for Josh but that is part and parcel of football," Parkinson said, adding that the rest of the squad is ready for the match. The manager emphasized the team's overall readiness.

Windass was the club's top‑scorer in his first campaign, netting 17 goals, including seven in his last eight Championship appearances. His goal tally underscored his importance to Wrexham's attacking options.

Wrexham have enjoyed a positive start to a tough pre‑season schedule, holding Polish giants Wisla Krakow to a goalless draw before beating Manchester United 1‑0 through Sam Smith's first‑half strike in Helsinki. The results have boosted confidence ahead of the Leeds encounter.

Parkinson hopes the side can take the positives from the triumph over the Red Devils into the Leeds game, noting the difficulty of predicting Leeds' personnel but stressing development and progression as the priority. He added that the team will respect Leeds' strengths while focusing on their own growth.

The Red Dragons' US tour continues with a clash against Liverpool at Yankee Stadium in New York on Thursday, 30 July (00:30 BST), followed by a finale against Sunderland at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania on Sunday, 2 August (17:00 BST). Parkinson highlighted the privilege of the tour and the quality of the facilities.

Wrexham are also set to appoint Newcastle's Nickson as sporting director, a move aimed at strengthening the club's strategic leadership.