Jacob returns to training ahead of FA Cup clash

Jacob returns to training after hamstring injury; Mullins uncertain if he'll feature against Walsall on Saturday.

Newport County have received a fitness boost ahead of Saturday's FA Cup tie against Walsall, with defender Matty Jacob back in training after a hamstring injury suffered against York. The 25-year-old Hull City loanee had started every League Two game before the injury.

Manager Hayden Mullins said Jacob's return was positive but expressed uncertainty about whether the defender would be ready for the weekend. Mullins was more confident about forward Michael Adu-Poku, taken off against Chesterfield only as a precaution, and midfielder Aaron Lewis, who managed 45 minutes in Tuesday's EFL Trophy defeat to Crystal Palace U21s.

James Crole suffered another setback, sustaining a scare to his other ankle during the Chesterfield match. Fulham loanee Matt Dibley-Dias and Cardiff loanee Nyakuhwa have both returned to their parent clubs for rehabilitation, with Mullins hoping to have them back within weeks rather than months.