Joss Labadie injury blow for Newport

Posted Thursday, March 22, 2018 by PA

Newport will complete their Sky Bet League Two campaign without injured captain Joss Labadie.

Labadie suffered a serious knee injury in training ahead of of last weekend’s home clash against promotion-chasing Luton and will not play again this season. He is due to undergo surgery early next week.

County are back at Rodney Parade on Saturday for the visit of Crewe, with manager Michael Flynn hoping striker Paul Hayes will be available again after recovering from a tight calf muscle.

But defender Calaum Jahraldo-Martin is unavailable as he is away on international duty with Antigua and Barbuda.

Crewe boss David Artell appears to have a couple of injury concerns for the trip to south Wales.

Ross Woodcock, Chris Porter and Ryan Wintle are definite absentees, although striker Chris Dagnall could make the starting line-up after continuing his comeback from knee trouble by making a substitute appearance during the 3-1 midweek win against Forest Green.

James Jones, meanwhile, is likely to be involved in the match-day group following a pelvic injury, but full-backs Jamie Sterry and Zoumana Bakayogo could face fitness tests after missing the Rovers game with knocks.

The Railwaymen are currently 19th in the table but nine points above the relegation zone.