Gwengwe suspension adds to Newport’s selection problems

Newport County’s selection options have narrowed after Hayden Mullins confirmed a three-match suspension for Shaquille Gwengwe, alongside hamstring concerns affecting Matty Jacob and Tanatswa Nyakuhwa. In an interview published by the club on Wednesday 21 October, Mullins said Newport learned of Gwengwe’s ban on the day of the trip to Rotherham United. The forward had been part of the manager’s plans for that game.

Update: remaining suspension fixtures

Updated 21 October 2026, 12.11pm BST: Newport have issued a further statement confirming that Gwengwe will miss the fixtures against Cheltenham Town and Chesterfield, having already been unavailable against Rotherham United. The club says the suspension follows an unseen incident during the York fixture. The statement does not describe the incident.

Hamstring checks

Jacob had a hamstring problem at half-time in the preceding Saturday match and had to come off, Mullins said. Nyakuhwa subsequently reported tightness and was sent for a scan as a precaution. Both missed the Rotherham trip. The club interview does not give scan results or a return date for either player.

A narrower choice of players

Mullins’ account leaves a confirmed suspension alongside two fitness concerns whose duration remains uncertain. County are unbeaten in seven league games, according to the club. Mullins praised the squad’s response at Rotherham, where Newport recovered from two goals down.