Newport County have learnt of another long-term injury to their squad after Nelson Jardim gave an update on Kyle Hudlin.
The towering striker has thrived at Rodney Parade this season, scoring his first EFL goals whilst on loan away from Huddersfield Town. However, he missed The Exiles’ draw with Bradford City, leaving Courtney Baker-Richardson as their only available striker.
County Down To Barebones
Injuries have piled up in South Wales this season, with midfielder Aaron Wildig out for the season and Kai Whitmore being temporarily ruled out with a leg injury, forcing full-back Shane McLoughlin to fill in with Cameron Antwi in the middle of the park. Hudlin’s injury, combined with Hamzad Kargbo and Luke Jephcott both being on loan, means Baker-Richardson is the only striker available to Nelson Jardim.
Newport Owner Huw Jenkins revealed the injury to the Huddersfield loanee, telling supporters during a fan’s forum (Quotes via South Wales Argus):
“Hudlin was a strange one, he came on and scored and the following morning he said he had a slight strain in his calf. It’s about six weeks from the time [of the injury], maybe a little bit less.”
Other major injuries for Newport include Tom Davies and Ciaran Brennan, with the former expected also to miss the remainder of the season.
Writer’s View
Newport County have been thriving as of late in spite of recent blows and there is no reason as to why they can’t continue to do so when they play Cheltenham Town this weekend. But this is a crucial blow for The Exiles as Kyle Hudlin was a serious threat for them in aerial situations and more importantly would have offered depth for Nelson Jardim to pick. Whilst certainly other forwards like David Ajiboye could play in the position, they lack the natural experience playing in the position. Losing Courtney Baker-Richardson could completely derail their season and outside chances of a play-off place.
