Newport County boss James Rowberry says Kevin Ellison is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after being attacked during the club's Christmas night out.
The 42-year-old has suffered facial injuries following the alleged attack, which is believed to have happened in Bristol city centre during the early hours of Sunday morning. Ellison reported the incident to the police, according to the BBC.
Ellison now requires surgery following the incident, and could be out for as much as two months.
The night out was organised by County's players, and followed on from the 2-1 win over Port Vale, a result that elevated County to fourth in League Two.
No other player was involved in the incident, but the news will come as a blow ahead of a busy festive schedule, starting with Rochdale on Saturday.
"Kevin was attacked over the weekend and sustained facial injuries that will leave him out for a period of time," Rowberry said.
"It's now under investigation but Kevin is OK, I have spoken to him every other day and he is in the safe hands of the medical team.
"It was a players' night out, Kevin hasn't done anything wrong. It was only him involved.
"He is probably looking at six to eight weeks but he is still his chirpy self, which is a good thing.
"He is still able to talk, chat and give me and the rest of the lads a bit of stick, so he is OK."
This is Ellison's second spell at Rodney Parade, and the vastly experienced Liverpudlian has been part of 18 matchday squads this season, combining his playing commitments with a role in the club's development team.
And despite this setback, Rowberry insists the former Morecambe man will remain an influential figure around the training ground.
"He will still play a part from a coaching point of view," Rowberry added. "He is someone who I lean on with his experience and so do the other players.
"Nothing has changed on that side of it and his input and influence around the building will still be there."
