Making Do and Mending

... by at least quarter in time for Saturday’s visit of Morecambe to Home Park.

The Pilgrims were without nine potential first-team players last weekend and lost two more through injury during the home Sky Bet League 2 clash with Luton.

However, as Argyle physiotherapist Paul Atkinson begins to work on the walking wounded, there are some promising signs.

Forward Marvin Morgan, who missed the Luton match with an abdominal strain, and midfielder Lee Cox, who was substituted at half-time with a thigh problem, are both rated possible starters for Saturday at this early stage.

With defender Aaron Bentley having completed a three-match suspension after being dismissed against Oxford United on December 28, and the imminent arrival of forward Ryan Brunt, Argyle manager John Sheridan’s selection options are improving.

There has also been good news about Bolton wing-back Andy Kellett, whose loan from the Championship side John has said he would like to renew.

Andy was prevented from playing the final game of his previous loan spell against Luton by a groin injury and has returned to the Macron Stadium, where he has had a scan that has revealed no underlying problems.

Two Pilgrims who played against Luton – midfielders Dominic Blizzard and Tyler Harvey – are currently doubtful to take part on Saturday. Dominic has a hamstring concern while Tyler, a half-time substitute for Lee, is suffering from a bang on the leg.

Attacker Jason Banton is also unlikely to face Morecambe after injuring a hamstring in training last week.

Two more midfielders, Ollie Norburn and River Allen both face the prospects of a lengthier recovery time after suffering back and groin problems respectively in the Final Third Development League Cup group game against Portsmouth at Home Park last week.

Defender Peter Hartley, the Pilgrims’ vice-captain, is targeting the January 31 game at home-town Hartlepool for a comeback from a hip injury that has discomforted him since before Christmas.

On the long-term front, forward Matt Lecointe could return from his knee injury next month, while fellow striker Deane Smalley will miss the rest of the season following an operation on his knee ligament and cartilage.