No Risking Wrists

YOUNG Argyle full-back Ben Purrington is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines, having broken his wrist at Accrington on Saturday.

Argyle performance manager John Harbin gave an update on Ben’s injury – as well as touching on the fitness of some other recent absentees – when addressing the press on Thursday.

In doing so, Harbin stressed the severity of the injury, while also indicating a commonly held opinion on contemporary footballers  may not be as accurate as outsiders may believe.

“Ben Purrington is taking it carefully,” said John. “We have a duty of care at this club to look after our players.

“He has broken a number of bones. There are still a number of decisions to be made by the medical department, whether he will need an op.

“Times have changed from the past; we play with a different type of football, a different boot. Sports medicine has changed.

“It’s just an assumption that the modern-day footballer is a lot softer than the olden day player. I’d like to say that the modern day footballer is a bit smarter, as they look after themselves.

“No one wants to go back and watch black and white TV’s, because things have changed for the better. So has sport medicine.

Alongside Ben Purrington on the side-lines this Saturday will be Jason Banton.

Jason picked up a groin injury in Argyle’s only home defeat of the season, a 1-0 loss to Wycombe Wanderers, and will be unavailable for this weekend’s Sky Bet League 2 game against Shrewsbury Town.

Despite Banton being unfit for the visit of Shrewsbury, two absentees from the visit to Accrington are looking to make their way back into John Sheridan’s starting line-up this Saturday.

The virtually ever-present Reuben Reid and summer signing Peter Hartley both hobbled off in Argyle’s previous home game, but are looking to get back to action this Saturday.

“Hartley trained today. Reuben trained today. They both did a full session,” said Harbin.