Luke's Lay-off

LUKE McCormick is set for “a lengthy lay-off” after badly injuring a finger on Saturday.

The Argyle ’keeper was forced off during the 1-1 draw with Mansfield at Home Park after being fouled by opposition midfielder Sam Clucas.

Luke, 30, is awaiting the verdict of medical specialists later this week, but Argyle physiotherapist Paul Atkinson said: “He has fractured and dislocated his finger and early indications are that it is going to be a lengthy lay-off.

“It’s obviously worse for him because he is a goalkeeper. If he was an outfield player, we might be able to strap up the injury and he would be able to carry on playing.”

Paul treated Luke for the injury to the ring finger of Luke’s left hand, during the match, and the pair subsequently saw a consultant.

“The consultant has asked a colleague, who is the specialist on hand injuries in the South West, for his opinion,” said Paul.

“Luke will be seeing him on Wednesday. After that, we will be in a better position to give a more precise time-frame for treatment and recovery.”

Luke played no further part in Saturday’s game following the clash with Clucas, which came in the 61st minute of the match, and was immediately replaced by substitute goalkeeper Jake Cole.

Luke and Jake have shared Argyle goalkeeping duties this season, with Luke beginning all but one of the Pilgrims’ 28 Sky Bet League 2 matches, and Jake starting in all seven cup games as well as the home league game against Fleetwood.

The two have already swapped over during another game this season, with Luke coming on for injured Jake during the home FA Cup second-round victory over Welling United.