Plymouth Argyle head into Tuesday’s League One clash with Mansfield Town facing injury concerns in key areas of the squad.
Their recent 1‑0 home win over Luton Town, thanks to Brendan Galloway’s goal, was overshadowed by fitness issues affecting both midfield and attack.
Joe Ralls was forced off inside the opening 10 minutes with a hamstring injury, while his replacement, Brendan Wiredu, also had to be substituted early in the second half due to a calf strain.
Adding to the worries, Lorent Tolaj finished the match with a significant dead leg, after Plymouth had already exhausted all allowed substitutions under EFL rules.
Manager Tom Cleverley provided an update on Tolaj, saying:
“We are hopeful he will be available for selection, but the teamsheet will tell us more. He got through the game despite the pain and worked hard for the team, but we need to manage him carefully over the next 48 hours.”
Ralls’ situation drew greater concern. Cleverley explained:
“Joe will have a scan today. Muscle injuries require time for the full picture, so we’ll know more this evening. The action that caused it pushed his body to the maximum, and something has gone in the hamstring. We are certainly concerned about him.”
Plymouth have rediscovered momentum, currently enjoying a six-game unbeaten run across all competitions, including three straight League One victories.
This resurgence has put them back in contention for the play-offs, with the Pilgrims sitting 14th in the table, just six points off the final play-off spot.
However, the potential absence of Ralls and Wiredu could disrupt the team’s rhythm, particularly with a challenging run of fixtures ahead.
After Mansfield, Plymouth face play-off hopeful Stockport County and automatic promotion challengers Lincoln City, making squad depth critical.
Tolaj has been instrumental this season, scoring 12 goals and providing four assists in 24 appearances.
His finishing and creative contributions have made him a focal point of Plymouth’s attack.
Ralls, who joined the Pilgrims on a free transfer in November, has also impressed in midfield.
His quality is proven from his time as a regular for Championship side Cardiff City, and he has brought energy and stability to Plymouth’s engine room.
Cleverley emphasized the importance of both players returning quickly:
“We are hopeful Tolaj will be ready, but Joe’s hamstring is a concern. Their availability could be crucial for maintaining the momentum we’ve built over recent weeks.”
There is some positive news as Owen Oseni and Owen Dale are set to return to training on Sunday after recovering from ankle injuries sustained last month.
While both players will strengthen the squad, Cleverley noted that neither plays in midfield or at centre-back, areas where Plymouth are now most urgently short-handed.
With injuries exposing gaps in the squad, Plymouth are actively working to strengthen key positions before the January transfer window closes on February 2.
Cleverley and director of football Derek Adams are targeting a midfielder and a centre-back to cover absences and add quality for the promotion push.
“It’s clear we have left that space open to do two more, and we know where we are going to try to do those. The key is to get it done because it is so important.”
“We are working hard to maintain the momentum with our supporters and bring in players in the areas we are really short.”
Despite a slow start, Plymouth remain in contention for League One promotion at the first attempt.
Cleverley will be hoping Tolaj and Ralls miss as little action as possible, as their contributions will be vital in key matches against Mansfield, Stockport, and Lincoln City.
With careful management, strategic reinforcements, and the return of recovering players, Plymouth aim to maintain their unbeaten run and keep their play-off push alive.
