Wrexham star taken to hospital after suffering nasty injury during pre-season defeat to Sydney FC

Wrexham have suffered a massive injury blow as they continue their preparation for the new campaign.

Backed by Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, the Red Dragons have experienced a meteoric rise through the English football pyramid.

On the back of securing three promotions in a row, Wrexham will play in the Championship in the upcoming campaign.

So far this summer, Wrexham have signed Ryan Hardie and Danny Ward, but they continue to be linked with a host of different players from around the continent.

Phil Parkinson's men took on Australian outfit Sydney FC on Tuesday, and they suffered a major injury blow just before half-time.

Midfielder Ollie Rathbone was seen holding his ankle after a collision with a defender.

The 28-year-old was able to limp off the pitch but it has now been confirmed that he has been sent to the hospital for further checks.

Taking to social media, Wrexham wrote: "Phil Parkinson has confirmed Ollie Rathbone has gone to hospital for an x-ray due to the ankle injury he sustained at the end of the first-half."

Ollie Rathbone was forced off with an injury. Image: Getty

To add salt to their wounds, Wrexham ended up losing the match 2-1.

Wrexham went ahead in the 18th minute thanks to an own goal by Corey Hollman but were unable to hold on to their advantage.

In the end, goals from Alexandar Popovic and Joseph Lacey sealed the victory for the hosts.

This will be a bitter disappointment for Parkinson, especially after they produced a decent display last week to beat Melbourne Victory 3-0.

Speaking about the tour Down Under, Parkinson said: "It's a bit special. Arriving yesterday with the sunshine, we gave the lads a bit of free time, because we had the game on Friday evening and then travelled yesterday morning.

"The lads have been at the beach, walked around and got a great feel for the city."