Plymouth Argyle have been dealt a major injury blow on the eve of their trip to Leeds United. Captain Joe Edwards is expected to be out for the rest of the year due to a serious hamstring problem.
Full-back Edwards, one of the club's longest-serving players, was forced off early in the second half of Saturday's thrilling draw with Preston North End. The 34-year-old had started 10 of the Pilgrims' last 11 fixtures.
"We're going through a period where we're picking up injuries," said Argyle chief Wayne Rooney. "When you get injuries it's a good opportunity for other players to come in and try and stamp their claim to stay in the team."
Rooney also confirmed that centre-back Lewis Gibson will not be fit to face the Whites as Argyle go in search of their first away win of the season. Winger Ibrahim Cissoko completes his three-match suspension while midfielder Darko Gyabi is ineligible to play against his parent club.
On the challenge of facing third-placed United, Rooney said: "We’re representing the football club, we’re going to try and win. We’ll suffer at times, we have to be resilient and pull together. When we get chances, we need to try and punish Leeds. We’ll be doing everything we can to do that.
“For us, it’s another game. Of course, they’re a big club, historic team, but for us, it’s one of three games we’ve got this week.”
After the Whites clash, the Pilgrims are scheduled to face Portsmouth and Derby County before the next international break.
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