STRIKER Hamzad Kargbo is back in contention for Newport County AFC at Wimbledon after four months out because of a dislocated shoulder, but Newcastle loanee Jamie Miley needs a specialist opinion on a back problem.
The Exiles head to Plough Lane in League Two on Tuesday night and then face a key clash with struggling Carlisle at Rodney Parade on Saturday, with Kargbo an extra option up front.
The 22-year-old earned a County contract after a successful trial in pre-season and made his debut at Cheltenham on opening weekend in League Two.
The physical former QPR front man made an impression in a brief cameo but then fell awkwardly on the touchline at the death and was helped from the field, with 10-man Newport then conceding a winner.
Kargbo had surgery and has now been cleared by the medics to push for a return to the matchday squad.
He has another rival because of his injury misfortune that led to the Exiles bringing in 6ft 9ins Kyle Hudlin – a man the 6ft 4ins youngster actually looks up to – to join Courtney Baker-Richardson and Luke Jephcott as options.
County are still set to be without winger Bobby Kamwa for the trip to Plough Lane because of a hamstring strain that forced him to miss the 0-0 draw at Notts County.
However, left-back/midfielder Antony Glennon is available after a back problem and midfielder Noah Mawene returned to training on Monday.
The Preston loanee will aim to be back in contention for Carlisle but the December 14 trip to Colchester might be more realistic.
County have Kyle Jameson, who scored in the 2-0 win at Wimbledon last season, back from suspension but are strong for central defensive options with Matt Baker and Ciaran Brennan supported by co-captain James Clarke.
The midfield will be without captain Aaron Wildig for the rest of the season and Jardim is also waiting to learn how long Miley will be sidelined.
The Newcastle prospect needed a hernia operation earlier in the campaign and has now been suffering with a back spasm.
“Jamie is recovering but he is due to see a specialist and we are not quite sure what point he is at. We expect some news in the coming days but we need to find out what the real problem is,” said the head coach.
“He had to come off at Tranmere because of a bad back spasm, we have tried to look after him to make sure he came back stronger but things haven’t developed the way that the medical department was expecting, so he will be seen by a specialist.”
Miley, 20, has shown glimpses of his talent but has made just five appearances.
County picked up a hard-earned point at a promotion hopeful last time out when drawing 0-0 at Notts County and will aim to repeat the trick.
That came off the back of a goalless draw against Grimsby in Newport, when Hudlin won and then missed a penalty, and Jardim wants another solid defensive display in London.
“In the last five games we have got three draws, one win and a defeat. Let's hope that is a good platform to build from and to improve areas,” said the boss, who acknowledges that improvement is needed to sharpen up with the ball.
“Wimbledon are one of the main contenders [for promotion] and this is the second of two tough away games.
“They have a fit squad and know what they are doing with a system and a clear way of playing. They make it hard for any opponent and they have been consistent.
“They will create problems but we need to have a clear idea of how we will approach the game. Compete first, like we did at Notts County, and then anything can happen and I expect us to be ready to cause them problems as well.”
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