Newport hit by six-week Mawene injury blow

Noah Mawene has started four league games, with three substitute appearances

Newport County midfielder Noah Mawene has been ruled out for a lengthy spell with a hamstring problem.

The Preston loanee managed only an eight minute substitute appearance before being withdrawn in the 3-1 home defeat by Chesterfield.

He did not travel for Tuesday night’s 2-0 League Two victory at Gillingham.

Mawene has had scans on the injury and Head coach Nelson Jardim has confirmed the 19-year-old faces time on the sidelines.

“Unfortunately the scan did not come with good news," said Jardim.

"He is going to be at least six weeks out. It's something we were not expecting and it’s a big negative thing for us."

Mawene, son of French footballer Youl Mawene – who also played for Preston – is on a season long loan at Newport.

“We have to deal with it and just give our support to Noah who was a player who had been be important for us," added Jardim.

“He was coming up and playing very well. It’s unfortunate he had that injury and we have been trying to manage his fitness. But this league is tough and has different demands.

“It’s a pity he is not with us but I am sure he will come back stronger.”

After ending a run of three successive losses at Gillingham, Newport return to Rodney Parade on Saturday to face Fleetwood who are a place behind them in 14th in League Two.

The Exiles are assessing midfielder Bryn Morris who was forced off at half-time in midweek, though Jardim said that was a “precaution.”

Meanwhile, defender Shane McLoughlin is still out of the picture with a knee injury.

The Bronx-born Irishman was injured in the 4-1 home defeat by Port Vale early in September and is now not expected to be available until the middle of November.