Clarke injury worry for Newport

Newport County could be without club captain James Clarke for the League Two trip to Morecambe on Saturday.

Central defender Clarke picked up a leg injury in training this week and is being assessed ahead of the visit to the Mazuma Mobile Stadium.

Head coach Nelson Jardim said: “Depending on the test we will take the decision on whether he travels.”

At 34 and with nearly 100 Newport appearances under his belt, Clarke is the most experienced player in the Exiles’ defensive line.

Jardim admitted: “He has been great on and off the pitch so we hope he will be okay.”

But he added: “I am confident we are covered. We have a good group of defenders and I think we are covered if he is not available. It will be a chance for others to come in and do the job.”

Newport, looking for their first league away win after two home victories, are still without former Haverfordwest midfielder Kai Whitmore. He will be ruled out for another three weeks with a calf injury.

Meanwhile former Queens Park Rangers striker Hamzad Kargbo has had shoulder surgery this week after being injured during a cameo substitute appearance on his debut in the season opening 3-2 defeat at Cheltenham.

“We reckon Hamzad will be out for the next three months," said Jardim.

"With the surgery everything went well, he has started his process of recovery. The medical department think he will be back the first week in December.”

Given Kargbo’s injury Newport went into the final day of the transfer window, looking to add another striker to their ranks.

Newport are also hoping new midfield duo Jamie Miley and Noah Mawene will be available for the Morecambe game.

Miley was signed on a season loan from Newcastle United, while Mawene joined on loan from Preston North End.

On Friday the club was awaiting EFL clearance for the pair to feature.