NEWPORT County are facing a major injury crisis ahead of their Dr Martens Premier League clash with Welling United (3pm) this Saturday.

Less than 48-hours before kick-off, County boss Tim Harris is unable to even name a squad as a number of his players are waiting late fitness tests.

Midfielders Nathan Davies and Stuart James are rated as being seriously doubtful, while others are carrying slight knocks.

"The injured players are having some treatment and light training at Spytty and then hopefully either tonight or Friday I'll know who is going to be able to play and who isn't," said Harris yesterday.

Davies is struggling with flu and James suffered a torn hamstring in Tuesday night's defeat against Weymouth.

There is some good news for Harris with summer signing Jason Perry set to make his long-awaited league debut for the Exiles.

Perry has been out since damaging a tendon in his foot in pre-season training and his return could not come at a better time for Newport.

County have struggled to win the ball in midfield this season, putting pressure on the defence, and Harris is hopeful that the players return will bring about a change in his side's fortunes.

Against Weymouth, ex-Cardiff City defender Jeff Eckhardt played up front in a striker's role, and although the experiment worked - it is doubtful whether it will be a long term option.

Harris' side have won just twice this season, away at Kettering and at home in a bad-tempered game against Bath City.

While the Exiles have struggled at the start of the season, so too have tomorrow's opponents Welling.

The London club, recently relegated from the Nationwide Conference, have won just once so far this year - on the opening day of the season at home to Hinckley.