Newport's Wildig ruled out for rest of season

Midfielder Aaron Wildig joined Newport County from Morecambe in 2022

Newport County co-captain Aaron Wildig has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to a knee injury.

The midfielder damaged his anterior cruciate ligaments, landing awkwardly after a challenge with Kieran Green during Saturday’s goalless home draw with Grimsby Town.

The 32-year-old was replaced after 63 minutes and medical scans revealed the extent of the injury.

Head coach Nelson Jardim said: "It is everything we hoped it would not be and it’s a huge blow for us.

"It’s disappointing because Aaron is not just a quality player but a leader on and off the pitch for us.

"He has been a pivotal figure for me, a true leader and a key part of our squad. His presence on the field, his experience and his character are things we will miss immensely."

Wildig, who joined the Exiles in June 2022, is a veteran of more than 370 league appearances and this season is joint top scorer with Kyle Hudlin on four league goals.

At the start of the campaign he was appointed co-skipper alongside James Clarke.

Newport are currently 15th in the table having had their fair share of injuries during the campaign.

They visit Notts County on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off, with the hosts currently among the League Two play-off places in sixth.

Jardim added: "It has been a frustrating few months with injuries which has been really tough to deal with.

"We have had limited spells when everyone has been fit, so there has been a lot of change in the line-up week to week.

"We have a strong squad and while it is tough losing Aaron we have players capable of stepping in.

"We have to keep going as a team because we have a tough couple of weeks ahead of us with the busy schedule."