Newport County AFC has been dealt a significant blow with the announcement that promising midfielder Noah Mawene will be sidelined until December due to a hamstring injury.
The 19-year-old, who joined Newport on a season-long loan from Preston North End, suffered the injury in last week’s League Two clash against Chesterfield. The setback not only leaves Newport without one of its rising stars but also highlights the club’s need to navigate an already demanding schedule with a depleted squad.
Impact on Newport’s Midfield and Plans for Recovery
Mawene’s injury occurred during the 3-0 defeat against Chesterfield last Friday. After being introduced off the bench at the 60-minute mark, the midfielder soon found himself limping off after only seven minutes on the pitch, having attempted a spirited break down the wing. The injury has left Newport fans and management alike concerned, as Mawene has been an influential figure in the squad’s setup. With nine appearances under his belt since joining in the summer, the young midfielder’s absence will undoubtedly be felt as the team approaches the busy winter period.
The extent of Mawene’s injury was confirmed following a scan, which unfortunately brought disappointing news for head coach Nelson Jardim and his staff. Jardim expressed his disappointment, saying, “Unfortunately the scan didn’t come with good news; he will be out for at least six weeks. It’s something that we were not expecting, and it’s a big negative, but we have to deal with it and give our support to Noah.”
Despite the injury setback, Jardim remains optimistic about Mawene’s recovery. The manager is hopeful that the young midfielder will be able to return to action in time to contribute during the hectic festive fixture list, where his skillset and dynamism in midfield would be invaluable.
Nelson Jardim’s Take on Mawene’s Injury and Team Fatigue
Jardim reflected on Mawene’s performance and the factors leading up to his injury, mentioning that fatigue may have played a role. “This league is tough with different demands,” Jardim explained. “He was a little bit fatigued after [the match against] Harrogate when he had to come off. That’s why we didn’t start him against Chesterfield; we were trying to protect him, but we needed him for those 20 to 25 minutes.”
The decision to bring Mawene on as a substitute was made with caution, yet the injury still occurred, leaving Jardim and his staff to rethink their approach to player management as they juggle fitness concerns with competitive needs. “We felt that it would be easy enough for him to get through, but then that injury happened. It’s a pity, but I am sure he will come back stronger,” Jardim added.
Potential Line-Up Changes and Injury Concerns
Newport will now have to make adjustments in midfield to cover for Mawene’s absence. In addition to his injury, fellow midfielder Bryn Morris also raised concerns after sustaining a knock during the 2-0 win at Gillingham. Morris was substituted at halftime, prompting Jardim to make the “big decision” of preserving the player’s fitness to prevent a long-term setback.
“It was nothing major, but sometimes you have to make big decisions,” Jardim explained. “At 2-0 at halftime, we knew the second half would be tough, but we could not afford to lose a player like Bryn for the long-term as well. It proved to be a good decision because we saved the player while we also managed to win the game.”
Morris was replaced by Kai Whitmore, a summer signing from Haverfordwest who recently returned from a calf injury. Whitmore has delivered strong second-half performances in recent games and is now a leading candidate to start, with Jardim likely to call upon the 21-year-old to fill the void left by Mawene.
Other Long-Term Injuries and Expected Returns
Newport’s injury list extends beyond Mawene and Morris. Full-back Shane McLoughlin remains on the sidelines following a knee injury sustained in early September. The Irishman’s absence has been another hurdle for Newport, particularly given his versatile role in both defence and midfield. Jardim is hopeful for McLoughlin’s return in mid-November, although the club is taking a cautious approach due to his integral role in the squad.
With Mawene, Morris, and McLoughlin all sidelined or limited in their availability, Newport faces a challenging run of fixtures. The club’s approach to managing player fitness will be critical in the coming weeks, especially as they look to maintain their performance levels amid a packed fixture list. Jardim’s focus on squad rotation and fitness management will be essential as Newport aims to minimize further injuries and maintain competitiveness in League Two.
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