NEWPORT County AFC have received a major injury setback ahead of tomorrow's FA Cup tie at Luton Town with the news that Robbie Willmott is likely to miss the rest of the season.

The foot injury he suffered in October is worse than first thought and manager Justin Edinburgh has confirmed he will undergo an operation next week.

"Robbie has his operation next week and once he’s been under the knife we’ll have a clearer picture but it looks like he could be out for the season," said the Exiles boss, who missed out on winning the League Two manager of the month award to Luton's John Still.

"It is worse than we first thought but things can change once surgeons go in and see it first-hand rather than working off scans.

"It’s a massive blow for us. He was player of the year last season and continued his good form into this campaign.

"It's a blow for us, for the boy and for the squad," he added.

"He’s a top player and he’s great to have around the dressing room so he’ll be missed.

"But I always believe that when one door closes another one opens for someone else and we’ve certainly got good enough players to be able to cope with that."

Meanwhile it looks unlikely that striker Joe Pigott will be cleared to play at Kenilworth Road tomorrow.

Pigott is on loan from Championship club Charlton Athletic until November 22.

Edinburgh told the media this morning: "Discussions are ongoing with Charlton and we have to hear by midday.

"They’ll allow Joe to play if we extend the loan so I’m speaking with the board to see if that’s the right decision."

But there is good news for Edinburgh with Mark Byrne and Ryan Jackson coming back into the squad after injury.

"They are both available for selection and that is a major boost for us," he said.

"We didn’t pick up any further injuries last week and we’re getting closer with Adam Chapman and Danny Crow – they’re not far away now.

"Rene Howe is also progressing well. It looked like we may have been losing Rene for the season but he’s recovering really well.

"He’s worked hard and he’s doing light running now and we should see him early in the New Year, hopefully."