Victor Palsson, an Iceland international defender, is expected to miss at least a couple of more games for Plymouth Argyle after suffering a hamstring injury in the previous two.
The 33-year-old, who joined the Pilgrims from Belgian club Eupen last month, started at right-back in the season-opening 4-0 Championship defeat at Sheffield Wednesday. He was not in the team for last Wednesday’s 3-0 Carabao Cup first round win over Cheltenham Town or Saturday’s 1-1 league draw with Hull.
The same is true for Nigerian striker Muhamed Tijani, who signed on loan from Czech side Slavia Prague and played against Wednesday but has been ruled out of the games against Cheltenham and Hull.
Head coach Wayne Rooney stated: “Victor will return after the international break, or even the game before. TJ has just had a minor hamstring issue and will hopefully be able to workout on Monday and Tuesday. He has also received a knock.”
Argyle’s final game before the first of four international breaks this season will be at home against Steven Schumacher’s Stoke City on Saturday, August 31. They will then return to play a fortnight later, when Sunderland visit on September 14.
Club captain Joe Edwards has played at right-back in the last two games and impressed Rooney with his performances, while Palsson has been out, and Ryan Hardie has led the attack in place of Tijani.
Rooney added, “It happens; guys get injured. It’s critical that they get the proper therapy and return as soon as possible, when they’re ready, which is why we have the squad.
“Joe has come in the previous couple of games and done quite well, so we have choices. We now have choices in almost every position, save for keeper. That is the priority, and we will begin working on it within the next 24-48 hours, hoping to have someone in as soon as possible.
Michael Cooper, a former Argyle custodian, was a non-playing substitute for Sheffield United in their 2-2 draw at home to Queens Park Rangers after signing a four-year contract last week. His departure has left Conor Hazard as the Pilgrims’ sole senior shot-stopper.
Rooney continued, “The bench is going to be vital for us; I’ve underlined it at every squad meeting. Normally, one of the players on the bench comes on and wins the game or gets us back into it.
“Football has become more of a team game than ever before. So you have 20 players in your matchday squad who can all have an impact, whether they start the game or sit on the bench.
“Half of your team can change by the time the final whistle rings, therefore we must make sure we are strong enough to have people who can impact the game coming on.”
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