Lincoln City head to Home Park on Saturday knowing Plymouth Argyle will be significantly weakened, particularly in defence, after fresh injury and suspension news emerged from the Pilgrims’ camp.
The latest update from Devon is concerning for the home side, with several of Argyle’s key figures ruled out as we look to strengthen our position near the top of League One.
Argyle injury list grows ahead of City visit
Argyle will be without left back Brendan Galloway when we make the long trip south. The defender has been ruled out after suffering an abdominal issue during last weekend’s defeat at Stockport County and is awaiting a second medical opinion.
Argyle head coach Tom Cleverley confirmed Galloway would not be available, explaining that while scans were relatively positive, the discomfort remains significant enough to rule him out of Saturday’s contest.
“Brendan is a worry. He has an abdominal issue that he will need to go get a second opinion on, so from last week we have lost another starter.
“The scan was fairly positive but he’s in a lot of discomfort still so we want to try to get to the bottom of that. We will send him for a second opinion and he won’t be available for selection this weekend.”
That absence is compounded by suspension, with Matty Sorinola beginning a two-match ban after collecting his 10th booking of the league season. With both options unavailable, Argyle are left with limited choices at left back, an area City could look to test.
Key attacking threats also missing
Further forward, Argyle remain without their top scorer Lorent Tolaj, which will delight podcats co-host Chris who is a big fan. He will miss a third successive match due to a severe dead leg sustained against Luton Town in late January. Despite the injury sounding minor, Cleverley admitted the issue has been far more problematic, with swelling affecting Tolaj’s knee and overall mobility.
“He’s not there but it’s a significant dead leg. His leg is black and blue. The problem has been the swelling. It has drained into his knee and he just hasn’t got enough flexibility in his knee to perform.”
The striker is not expected to return until Argyle’s trip to Blackpool next weekend, meaning City will avoid facing their leading goal threat on Saturday.
Argyle will also be without goalkeeper Conor Hazard, defender Julio Pleguezuelo and midfielder Joe Ralls, further stretching a squad already tested by injuries. Ralls, in particular, is expected to be sidelined for several more weeks after his hamstring issue proved worse than initially feared.
What does it mean for City?
From a City perspective, the situation presents both opportunity and responsibility. The absences weaken Argyle in key areas, especially down the left side, but Cleverley has stressed his trust in the depth of his squad and the players stepping in will see this as a chance to impress.
It seemingly shifts pressure over to us, with a virtual clean bill of health, but nothing is that straightforward. I recall when Exeter City had players on international duty and claimed squad poverty – it strengthened their resolve. I use Exeter as an example there, which is probably bad, given the Devon rivalry!