Exeter hope veteran defender Dean Moxey makes a swift recovery to feature against Newport on Boxing Day.

Moxey made his 300th appearance for the club on Saturday as Exeter fought back from 3-0 down against Walsall to draw 3-3 at St James Park.

The 33-year-old came off in the opening half-hour with a sore shoulder, although Grecians boss Matt Taylor said after the game that he hoped it was just an impact injury and not anything more serious.

Exeter, who are second in Sky Bet League Two and trail leaders Swindon by three points, have lost full-back Craig Woodman (knee) and striker Alex Fisher (groin) for the next six weeks.

Newport are without a league win since October 19 and the Exiles’ problems continue to grow.

Defender Mark O’Brien was forced off in the 2-1 weekend defeat at Morecambe.

O’Brien saw stitches put in a head wound during the previous game against Stevenage ripped out in a challenge.

Kyle Howkins, Ade Azeez, Daniel Leadbitter and Keanu Marsh-Brown are expected to miss out again, but Ryan Iniss should be fully fit after having mumps.