Having completed his initial one month loan deal, the Belgian right-back has returned to parent club Stoke City to undergo a double hernia operation which will rule him out for three to four weeks.

But Wrexham boss Saunders was impressed with de Laet's determination to play despite carrying knocks, with the 21-year-old also hampered by groin and ankle problems during his four-game stay with the Reds.

"There is a chance of Ritchie coming back and that is something I am looking at in the near future," said Saunders. "Ritchie did well - and what an attitude he has got.

"At Weymouth he wanted to play despite knowing he was having the double hernia operation, and he asked me afterwards if he could play the next game.

"He wanted to play on Saturday and was disappointed he was unable to. I am hoping Tony Pulis will let us have him back."

But Saunders has extended the loan spell of Manchester City midfielder Angelos Tsiaklis for another month.

Tsiaklis started all five matches during his first month with Wrexham and Saunders has been delighted with the Cypriot.

"Angelos has done well and he had been involved in four victories in the five games he has been here," said Saunders.

"And he is getting better and better.

"If you watch Angelos play, he covers more ground than anybody."

Wrexham were given a boost yesterday with the return to training of three injured players.

Right-back Kyle Critchell has been ruled out since the end of August after damaging ankle ligaments while midfielder Andy Fleming has been absent with an ankle problem sustained in mid-October.

Also back on the training ground was midfielder Silvio Spann following a shoulder injury sustained against Weymouth on November 15 and Saunders welcomed the return of the trio.

"They all trained yesterday and looked very good," said Saunders.

"We have near enough got a clean slate with injuries so touch wood. It is nice to have them all back.

"They will need a bit of time on the training pitch but they might be in contention for the weekend, we will assess it by Friday.

"We have got more people available and it is a nice problem to have.

Everyone is fighting for their places and I have not shut the door on anyone.

"If they train well every day, they can force their way in as Christian Smith has."

- Buckley Reds' meeting tomorrow has been cancelled because Wrexham are in action at Northwich Victoria. The next meeting will be their AGM in January.