Wrexham star Paul Mullin finally returns home after recovering in California from punctured lung suffered in Man United friendly

Wrexham striker Paul Mullin has finally returned home to the UK after recovering from a punctured lung he suffered in a pre-season friendly with Manchester United.

The 28-year-old had been staying in California to recuperate after the incident in San Diego last month, which saw him flattened by United goalkeeper Nathan Bishop.

Mullin's manager Phil Parkinson joked that he had been "not answering his phone" following Wrexham's Carabao Cup win over Wigan, but the player took to Twitter to confirm that he was on his way back home.

"BRB, data ran out," he tweeted in response to a clip of Parkinson talking about his return.

Parkinson had said: "We have to get Mulls back from California first of all, that's not easy. He hasn't been answering his phone for a few days, which you can't blame him.

"He will be back with us and it's when he comes back in the next few days we will be able to assess, see a specialist and see how long he is going to be out for."

Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney had invited Mullin to stay at his house as he recuperated from the punctured lung, but the player opted to stay with friends instead.

Executive director Humphrey Ker said: "I think Rob said 'he's going to stay with us' and people took that as he was literally going to stay in Rob and Kaitlin [Olson's] house.

"That offer was on the table but Paul, understandably, wanted to use this time to have a bit of a... here's the thing, I wouldn't want to stay in my boss's house for 10 days to two weeks.

"I think he was very grateful and no doubt will see plenty of Rob while he is in LA, but he just wanted a bit of space to himself where he could concentrate on his recovery and R&R (rest and relaxation).

"He's here, he's in LA and he's got some friends out here from home who have come out to stop him from being lonely and to keep an eye on him and help him out. Hopefully by the end of this week or start of next week he'll be able to come home."

Mullin, who scored an astonishing 47 goals in 53 matches as Wrexham won promotion from the National League last season, missed their EFL return against MK Dons on Saturday - a game they lost 5-3.

It could be several weeks before the forward is seen in League Two action as he fully recovers from his injuries.

The incident between Bishop and Mullin soured a friendly that Wrexham won 3-1 against a youthful United team.

Bishop was fortunate to get away with a yellow card and was loudly booed throughout the rest of the first-half following the collision before being subbed off.

Parkinson warned Bishop to keep away from Wrexham after the "reckless" challenge.

Bishop issued a public apology to Mullin and made personal contact to clear the air. Co-owner Ryan Reynolds contacted the 23-year-old keeper to thank him for how he handled the incident.