Plymouth Argyle manager Tom Cleverley has disclosed that the club has been hit by another wave of injuries, with four additional players forced onto the sidelines ahead of their away League One fixture against Doncaster Rovers.
Cleverley described the situation as “a disastrous week in terms of injuries,” explaining that these setbacks came within a short period. Despite the growing casualty list, Argyle still managed to secure an emphatic 5–1 win at the Eco-Power Stadium, highlighted by Lorent Tolaj’s superb hat-trick.
Details of the injuries
The most serious concern involves winger Owen Dale, who is on loan from Championship side Oxford United. Dale suffered ligament damage to his ankle and is expected to be out for a long spell, possibly several months.
Defender Julio Pleguezuelo, who had recently returned from knee surgery and made four straight starts, was also unavailable. Cleverley referred to the issue as an “angry knee,” meaning the joint had become swollen and irritated. He stressed that the club hopes the problem is not serious, and that the centre-back could return soon once swelling has reduced.
Two other players—Jamie Paterson and teenage prospect Tegan Finn—also missed the match. Paterson picked up a calf injury, while Finn sustained a hamstring issue after featuring for the under-18s in the FA Youth Cup defeat to Watford. Cleverley suggested both injuries were minor and believes they could return in the near future.
The timing of Pleguezuelo’s problem makes matters worse, as fellow defender Brendan Galloway has departed for international duty with Zimbabwe ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Zimbabwe are set to open their group-stage campaign against Egypt.
Cleverley on injury assessments
Cleverley explained that Pleguezuelo’s knee swelling had developed gradually. Although the coaching staff attempted to manage his workload, the defender’s strong form made it difficult to rest him. Cleverley indicated that if the match had been a high-stakes fixture such as a play-off final, they may have risked playing him, but medical caution was preferred.
Dale’s injury, according to Cleverley, occurred when he attempted to keep the ball in play with a backheel during the previous weekend’s win against Rotherham United. The awkward fall resulted in a grade-three ligament tear. Cleverley praised Dale’s warrior-like determination, noting that the player travelled with the team for the Doncaster match and had planned to play through the pain before scans confirmed the severity of the damage.
Cleverley reiterated hopes that Dale’s strong mentality might allow him to shorten his expected recovery period. The club plans to reassess his rehabilitation progress after around 10 days.
More long-term absentees
Argyle have struggled with injuries throughout the campaign. Jack MacKenzie has yet to feature this season, while Bradley Ibrahim is recovering from major hamstring damage. Midfielder Caleb Watts, however, is nearing his return from an injury sustained in September.
Cleverley acknowledged his frustration, saying he has never experienced a spell of misfortune like this. He added that approximately five players who were fit last week were unavailable for selection against Doncaster. Despite the extraordinary difficulties, he insisted that these challenges cannot be used as an excuse and expressed confidence in the squad members stepping in.
