Baker-Richardson still out but Newport duo return

Courtney Baker-Richardson has scored two goals for Newport this season

Courtney Baker-Richardson could miss the majority of Newport County's festive fixture list because of injury.

The 29-year-old striker has not played since 23 November because of a calf problem.

Head coach Nelson Jardim says Baker-Richardson will be sidelined for "another two or three weeks".

But there is better news for midfielders Noah Mawene and Jamie Miley, who are back in contention for Saturday's trip to Colchester United.

Mawene, who is on loan from Preston North End, has not played since October, while Miley, who is on loan from Newcastle United, last featured at Tranmere just over a month ago.

Newport, who are 17th in League Two, return to action against 18th-placed Colchester after last weekend's home fixture with Carlisle United was postponed because of Storm Darragh.

That means the Exiles will be three successive away games, though Jardim says they can take confidence from back-to-back draws at AFC Wimbledon and Notts County.

"After two really good results and really good performances away, we were hoping to have a home game, but that didn't happen and we have to go again away Colchester," Jardim said.

"Three games away in a row we know is going to be very tough for us.

"There's no easy games and we just hope that we can carry on the way we are. We are competing, being organised. We are sure that if we keep up with this form and with this progression, we'll be fine."