Specialist for Coops

GEORGE Cooper’s injury during Argyle’s victory over Mansfield in Sky Bet League Two last weekend was the downside to an otherwise excellent day for the Pilgrims.

The facial injuries that Cooper suffered were significant, including a broken nose and a cracked cheekbone, which could lead to a spell on the sidelines. Despite this, he has informed the staff at Home Park that an operation is not what he wants.

“Well he doesn’t want an operation and he doesn’t have to have one now, he can wait,” said Argyle boss Ryan Lowe. “He’s missed a lot of football as of late and he doesn’t want to miss anymore, so if it’s a hairline fracture or a crack in his jaw or his cheekbone, it’s irrelevant.

“It has only got to heal, so for him to get a plate in there, he’s going to be out for like three months and he doesn’t really want that, and I don’t want that. It would be a long time out, so he’s seeing a specialist.

“It depends what the specialist comes back with today. If he says it’s a crack in there but it’s healing and can get a mask within twenty-four hours, then he will be available.”

With Saturday’s game approaching fast, the Green Army are wanting to know whether he will be available for this weekend’s fixture against Scunthorpe United in Sky Bet League Two.

Along with George Cooper, there are other injury concerns with the likes of Danny Mayor, Jose Baxter, Byron Moore and Dom Telford. The gaffer confirmed Telford and Moore are not available, with Baxter doubtful but back training on the grass.

With it only being early on in the season and injuries seemingly becoming a regular occurrence, is that starting to be a concern for the boss?

“No not really, I just think you’re always going to pick up niggling injuries but them two [Telford and Moore], the reason they are injured are is because, as I’ve said numerous times, if you miss the first ten days of pre-season, you can’t do that anymore,” said Lowe.

“The volume and the work you put in for them ten days are vitally important, and if you get through them first ten days, you’ve cracked it, you’re only going to get stronger and fitter.”