Newport's Crole to miss start of season through injury

James Crole will miss the beginning of the 2026-27 season after suffering an ankle injury. The 22-year-old sustained the injury during a training session and underwent surgery last week. He has started his rehabilitation process and is set to miss the early stages of the new campaign. A club statement read: "Everyone at Newport County wishes James a successful recovery and looks forward to supporting him throughout his rehabilitation." Latest Newport County news, analysis and fan views Newport County Former Cardiff City youngster Crole joined the Exiles from Cymru Premier outfit Penybont midway through the 2025-26 season. The forward made 20 League Two appearances in the second half of last season, scoring his first goal for the club in a 2-1 win at Barnet in March. Newport kick-start their competitive schedule at AFC Wimbledon in the first round of the Carabao Cup on Saturday, 8 August (15:00 BST). They begin their League Two campaign against Rochdale at Rodney Parade on Saturday, 15 August (12:30 BST).