---
title: "Former West Ham academy player back for Wrexham after injury"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2026/09/11/ben-sheaf-west-ham-wrexham-injury-return/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "West Ham News"
published: "2026-09-11T14:00:00Z"
modified: "2026-09-22T17:16:30Z"
---

# Former West Ham academy player back for Wrexham after injury

**West Ham United could come up against one of their former academy players when Wrexham visit London Stadium on Friday night.**

Ben Sheaf is back in Phil Parkinson’s squad after recovering from a calf injury which has kept him out throughout the start of the season.

The 28-year-old missed the whole of pre-season and has yet to feature competitively in 2026/27.

His return comes just in time for a reunion with the club where he spent three years as a teenager.

## Ben Sheaf back for Wrexham against West Ham

[BBC Sport Wales reports](https://nz.news.yahoo.com/former-hammer-sheaf-back-wrexham-192619746.html) that Sheaf is back in Wrexham’s squad for the Championship trip to West Ham.

The midfielder was part of West Ham’s academy between 2011 and 2014 before moving to Arsenal.

Sheaf revealed he regularly acted as a ball boy at Upton Park while coming through the Hammers’ youth system and said West Ham are “always a club I’ve looked out for”.

He has never previously played at London Stadium.

That could change on Friday as Wrexham look to extend their three-match unbeaten Championship run against Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.

Sheaf admitted the size of the occasion is something he is looking forward to, with West Ham’s home ground expected to host a historic crowd.

Read West Ham has already reported how [West Ham vs Wrexham is set to break a 56-year Wrexham attendance record](https://readwestham.com/2026/09/11/west-ham-wrexham-attendance-record/).

## West Ham academy connection adds another subplot

Sheaf eventually progressed through Arsenal’s academy before spells with Stevenage, Doncaster Rovers and Coventry City.

He joined Wrexham in September 2025 and became an important part of Parkinson’s midfield.

His return gives the Wrexham manager another option against a West Ham side chasing a fourth successive Championship victory.

Sheaf described West Ham as a “top side” but believes Wrexham can give themselves a chance of taking something from London Stadium if they perform well.

West Ham will nevertheless start the game in strong form after consecutive wins over Wolves, Derby County and Bolton Wanderers.

Our full [West Ham vs Wrexham preview](https://readwestham.com/2026/09/10/west-ham-vs-wrexham-preview-team-news-prediction/) has the latest form, team news and prediction ahead of kick-off.

Supporters can also explore West Ham’s youth structure and emerging players through our [West Ham Academy](https://readwestham.com/academy/) guide.