Healing Up

For several games, the Argyle boss had a list of unavailable players that was almost as long as those he had fit and healthy, but gradually the situation is beginning to improve. 

Arnold Garita and Nauris Bulvitis were both featured on the substitutes’ bench at Accrington Stanley, with the former making a telling impact when coming on. 

According to Adams, Arnie is a little way away from starting matches, but as Argyle prepare to head to Newport County in the Emirates FA Cup second round replay on Wednesday night, the big striker could still have an impact on the tie. 

Asked if Garita was ready to start, Derek said: “Not at this stage, but he gives us a good option when he comes on. 

“He went back there just to recover and get back to fitness. He’s not at 100% yet, but he’s fit enough to take part in training and play in the games. 

“For 21 years of age he’s very strong, takes the ball in. He and [David] Goodwillie have shown in the past they have a good partnership. They have different styles of play, and that helps. 

“[Bulvitis] hasn’t missed too many games. He’s been back in training and looked good.”

Arnie and Nauris could soon be joined by other Pilgrims whose fitness levels are steadily increasing too. 

“Ben [Purrington] started training on Monday, so we’ll see how he is today and tomorrow, and assess things before tomorrow night. 

“Gary Sawyer will hopefully be back into full-time training the following week. [David Ijaha] is a bit slower, and is with the physio just now. He is not progressing as quickly.”