NEWPORT County AFC aren’t yet able to fully diagnose the extent of striker Chris Zebroski’s knee injury, writes Michael Pearlman.

The well-travelled forward has been a key performer for Newport this term, but suffered a suspected dislocated knee in Saturday’s 1-1 First Round FA Cup draw at Braintree Town.

The knee dislocation has now been confirmed, along with ligament damage, but the Exiles can’t further examine the injury by means of a scan until the swelling subsides.

However, it is feared that the estimations of 6-8 weeks on the sidelines is a conservative prediction, the striker possibly facing even longer out.

“It’s too early to diagnose, but it isn’t looking great,” a County spokesman told the Argus yesterday.

The Exiles will also definitely be without midfielder Adam Chapman tonight as he has collected a fifth yellow card for the campaign and must serve an immediate one match ban.

County also have fitness question marks over a pair of defenders.

Ismail Yakubu suffered a slight knee problem at the weekend and couldn’t train yesterday. He faces a fitness test today.

County are also waiting for news on Cardiff City loan defender Adedeji Oshilaja who missed the game on Saturday with a slight strain. He too faces a fitness test.

However, the Exiles are at least buoyed by some returnees from the weekend. Ryan Burge, Harry Worley and Tony James are all back to fitness and no other bumps and bruises from the game in Essex are likely to sideline players tonight.