Walsall captain Jamille Matt ruled out for Newport as Connor Barrett and Evan Weir absence addressed

Matt has not featured in the squad in each of the Saddlers' past two games - and Byfield has revealed that a knee injury has kept him on the side lines. 

The 36-year-old missed four matches in February due to separate hip and knee issues and the latter has continued to plague him in recent weeks. 

Matt ruled out for Newport clash

He will be absent once again when Newport visit Bescot this weekend, but Byfield is hopeful that Matt will be back in the mix for the trip to Colchester United.

"Jamma is struggling a little bit with his knee at the minute," interim boss Byfield revealed.  

"We're hoping that he'll be back to play by next week." 

Barrett and Weir absence explained

Connor Barrett has featured just once from the bench since a 3-1 home defeat against Barnet on February 7 and has been left out of the squad in both of Byfield's games at the helm. 

Evan Weir is also yet to play under Byfield who has confirmed that both are fit and available. 

Byfield left Aden Flint out of the squad for the 3-0 win at Crewe Alexandra last Saturday and gave Kacper Lopata the nod in midweek. 

Flint emerged from the bench and produced a solid second half performance to help Walsall earn a creditable goalless draw against Cambridge United at Bescot. 

And Byfield feels that Flint's response can serve as an example to those who have been out of the team of late.

"Evan and Connor are both training. They're fine and they just have to keep putting in the same effort as everyone else, which they are, but we just have to make sure that they keep on it," he added.

"They need to be ready when they're called upon, but the boys are doing well at the minute. They will be disappointed but they have to keep working hard and being ready for their chance. 

"It's easy to sulk and not put it in. They've [Flint and Aaron Pressley] trained well, come on and done well, and that's what you've got to do."