Newport County striker Christian Doidge will miss Saturday's home game against York City due to a groin injury. Manager Hayden Mullins confirmed the 34-year-old is expected to be sidelined for a couple of weeks.
Doidge was forced off after just nine minutes of last Saturday's 1-0 victory over Colchester United. Tanatswa Nyakuhwa scored the late winner in that match, which extended Newport's unbeaten run to five games, a sequence detailed on the club's stats page. The Exiles currently sit 12th in League Two with 13 points from 10 matches.
Manager assesses options
Mullins acknowledged the loss of Doidge's experience but said the squad has ready alternatives. "It will be a blow, definitely. Christian will definitely be a miss to us," the manager stated. He pointed to Shaq Gwengwe, Ged Garner and new loan signing Kion Etete as players who can step into the forward line.
Gwengwe is the club's top scorer this season and has been playing on the left wing. Garner made a positive impact in recent cup ties against Swindon Town and Plymouth Argyle. Etete, who joined on loan from Cardiff City, is now fully fit and available for selection. "He's ready to go so he could play some part at the weekend," Mullins said of Etete.
Injury context and team news
Doidge has been involved in four of Newport's 13 league goals this term. Mullins said the striker would undergo a scan to determine the full extent of the issue. In more positive news, full-back Joe Thomas has recovered from a dead leg and is available again.
Forward James Crole is back in modified training but remains a couple of weeks away from a return. The injury comes as Newport prepare to host fifth-placed York City, looking to protect an unbeaten home record that includes a 2-2 draw with Plymouth Argyle earlier this month. The full fixtures list shows a challenging run ahead.
Newport County will aim to maintain their positive form without Doidge when they face York at Rodney Parade on Saturday afternoon. The club's official website noted that Doidge's absence is a significant setback given his role in the squad. The manager also confirmed that other players are being monitored for minor knocks ahead of the weekend fixture. The team's recent form has been built on a solid defensive foundation, conceding only three goals during the five-match unbeaten streak. Supporters are encouraged to check the club's social media channels for the latest updates on team selection and matchday information.
