NEWPORT County AFC manager Graham Westley has confirmed that midfielder Joss Labadie has suffered a recurrence of the hamstring injury that kept him out for seven weeks.

Labadie originally picked up the injury in the defeat at Doncaster Rovers in September and missed nine matches before returning to the starting XI for Tuesday’s Checkatrade Trophy match against AFC Wimbledon.

But he lasted just 27 minutes before being forced off and now faces another lengthy spell on the sidelines.

“Joss had a setback,” said Westley. “It’s a recurrence of the hamstring problem.

“He’s been a while trying to come back from that hamstring.

“He was back in training for 10 days or so and put in a really strong session last Thursday.

“He was only going to play a half the other night and we gave him the first half thinking that he’d had a proper opportunity to warm-up and then get 45 minutes under his belt.

“It didn’t work out so we move on.

“I’ve sent him up to St George’s Park from the beginning of next week so he’s going to spend some really dedicated time with the latest equipment and technology to put him in the best state.

“It’s disappointing in the sense that we thought we had him back but the bonus is that he’s going to come back into the side fresh probably in the month of December so we’ll get a massive asset back at a vital time.”

Defender Kyle Cameron returns from international duty with Scotland under-21s ahead of Saturday’s League Two clash with Carlisle United (kick-off 1pm).

Forward Jordan Green could also be available but the likes of Jamie Turley, Mark Randall and Jon Parkin will miss out again.

“I don’t think there’s anyone who was missing the other night who’ll come back into contention for the weekend,” said the Exiles boss.

“It’s touch and go with Greeny maybe but in the main the boys who were out will stay on the sidelines for a little bit longer.”

New signings Jack Jebb and Josh O’Hanlon are not yet ready to play 90 minutes on a consistent basis.

“Jack came off the other night with cramp,” he said. “He got an hour or so in.

“Josh got himself through the game but neither of them is properly match fit.”