SWINDON Town defender Mathieu Baudry is facing a lengthy spell out through injury, head coach Ben Garner confirmed.

In his pre-match press conference on Friday, Garner stated the 33-year-old would be absent for “the next few weeks, possibly longer” following the occurrence of a hip injury sustained against Crewe Alexandra in the FA Cup on November 6.

After missing a chunk of the early season, due to a leg muscle injury, Baudry returned to the side in mid-October against Plymouth Argyle and went on to start four games in a row before damaging the tendon in his hip in the 14th minute of Town’s 3-0 FA Cup first-round victory.

Prior to Town's return to action against Newport on Saturday, Garner provided an update on the fitness of injured defenders Baudry and Romoney Crichlow.

He said: “Rom is doing well, his ankle has really settled down this week. He is still in the early stages of rehabilitation with it, but we’re positive that will be sooner rather than later for his return. He won’t be available for Newport, but we’re hoping it will be imminent.

“For Mathieu, it’s not good news, unfortunately. He’s damaged a tendon in his hip, which was from a previous injury.

“There was nothing he could really do about it, and it’s a shame because he’s a fantastic pro and he’s worked so hard to get himself back fit and into the team. He was doing ever so well, so we were genuinely disappointed and upset for him.

“He’s had time to get his head around it now and he’s back in with us. He’s so important to the group, even when he’s injured, he’s a really positive influence around the place. He’s a top professional, so it will just be a case of rehabbing him and getting him back as soon as possible.

“I never like to put a time frame on it, but we’re certainly looking at the next few weeks, possibly longer.”