NEWPORT County AFC manager James Rowberry has confirmed that striker Offrande Zanzala will be sidelined for at least 10 weeks with a hamstring tendon injury, writes Andrew Penman.

Zanzala started the first two league games and made an impression off the bench in County’s Carabao Cup victory at Luton Town.

But the 25-year-old then suffered a tight hamstring in training and, after missing out at Bradford City last weekend as a precaution, scans showed a significant injury.

“It’s not good news on OZ; he’s going to be out for a minimum of 10 weeks,” said Rowberry.

“He’s sustained a tendon injury just underneath his hamstring.

“It’s disappointing, but we’ll get him back fit. He’s a really strong character and he’ll come back mentally stronger.

“And it gives other people opportunities to show what they can do.”

Omar Bogle scored his second goal of the season in Tuesday’s 3-2 home defeat by Salford City but he and Lewis Collins were starved of service up front, particularly in the first half.

New loan signing Thierry Nevers has been brought in on loan from West Ham United as a consequence of Zanzala’s injury and the 20-year-old could make his Exiles debut against Tranmere Rovers tomorrow afternoon.

“Thierry has been one we’ve been looking at for a long time, he’s someone that’s been on the radar,” said Rowberry.

“And when Oz got his injury, we felt as though we needed to add to that [attacking area].

“We’re still looking at a number 10, which we want to try to get, but Thierry adds kind of what OZ does – even though he’s obviously a little bit younger.

“I appreciate West Ham in how they have helped us to get the deal done.

“He’s played wide of a front three and as a central striker and he’s got terrific pace and good one-on-one ability.

“I’m excited for the fans to see him. I think it’s a really good signing for us.”

Centre-back Declan Drysdale is back from suspension following his red card at Bradford and Robbie Willmott is also available after missing the Salford match as a precaution.

Aaron Wildig has also been given the all-clear but hasn’t trained all week, so he’s likely to be in contention to face Portsmouth in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.