BOSS Michael Flynn has admitted the Newport County AFC squad is looking “a bit light” ahead of Saturday’s trip to Crawley Town, but Robbie Willmott will be out for “weeks rather than months”.

Flynn is desperate for better luck on the injury front with Andrew Crofts and Keanu Marsh-Brown still recovering from knocks.

Flynn, who turns 38 today, confirmed midfielder Willmott, stretchered off in the second half of the 2-1 win over Stevenage, is nursing a badly bruised shin.

Willmott left the field on a stretcher at Rodney Parade last Saturday, leaving many fearing a much more serious injury than it turned out to be.

Bakinson hobbled off with a dead leg 20 minutes before his teammate had to be replaced, and Flynn has stated that the Bristol City loanee is “struggling” for the Crawley game.

Marsh-Brown “might be back” this weekend, according to the manager, but would ideally need a week’s worth of training to return to full fitness.

While Wales international Crofts isn’t going to be ready in time for Saturday or Bury away next Tuesday.

When asked his squad's health, Flynn said: “Put it this way, I could do without the game on Tuesday, but we’ve just got to worry about Crawley first.

"We’ll have to dust ourselves down and have a look at Tuesday after that.

“Small squads need luck with not having injuries, and one of the key things for Accrington (last season) was they were able to keep the same team for over 30 games.

"That’s great momentum to have and something we’re going to need for the rest of the season.”

He added: “I’m hoping the physio earns his money this week and gets a few more ready to be involved.

“But even people like Keanu, who might be back, are still going to need, ideally, a week of solid training. He’s not going to be at his sharpest but it’s something we’ve got to deal with.”

On Willmott, he said: “It’s really sore and there’s bad bruising. The good thing is there’s no break so it’s weeks rather than months.”

And on Bakinson, he continued: “He’s got a dead leg so is struggling as well, it’s quite a sore one, so we’re a bit light.”

Speaking about Crofts, Flynn said: “He’s not back to full fitness but he’s working hard.

"He’s big around the place and so professional, giving the boys advice, and he’ll be a big part once he’s fit.

“There’s no point rushing him now for the sake of a week or two.”