Newport's Wildig ruled out for rest of season

Newport County co-captain Aaron Wildig has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to a knee injury.

The midfielder damaged his anterior cruciate ligaments, landing awkwardly after a challenge with Kieran Green during Saturday’s goalless home draw with Grimsby Town.

The 32-year-old was replaced after 63 minutes and medical scans revealed the extent of the injury.

Head coach Nelson Jardim said: "It is everything we hoped it would not be and it’s a huge blow for us.

"It’s disappointing because Aaron is not just a quality player but a leader on and off the pitch for us.

"He has been a pivotal figure for me, a true leader and a key part of our squad. His presence on the field, his experience and his character are things we will miss immensely."

Wildig, who ed the Exiles in June 2022, is a veteran of more than 370 league appearances and this season is t top scorer with Kyle Hudlin on four league goals.

At the start of the campaign he was appointed co-skipper alongside James Clarke.

Newport are currently 15th in the table having had their fair share of injuries during the campaign.

They visit Notts County on Saturday in a lunchtime kick-off, with the hosts currently among the League Two play-off places in sixth.

Jardim added: "It has been a frustrating few months with injuries which has been really tough to deal with.

"We have had limited spells when everyone has been fit, so there has been a lot of change in the line-up week to week.

"We have a strong squad and while it is tough losing Aaron we have players capable of stepping in.

"We have to keep going as a team because we have a tough couple of weeks ahead of us with the busy schedule."