Ian Foster has reported a few ‘bumps and bruises’ among Plymouth Argyle players following Saturday’s 2-0 loss to Ipswich Town, but hopes to have a complete squad available for the Championship encounter against Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow night.
It is the first of two away games this week, followed by a trip to Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, as the Pilgrims try to gain ground after being brought to within two points of the relegation zone. Sheffield Wednesday sit in 23rd place, just five points below Argyle in 16th, after four wins in their previous five games, including a 1-0 triumph over near neighbors Rotherham United at the weekend.
Foster provided an update on his squad during a press conference at Home Park this morning before leading the players through a training session. He went on to say: “Everyone is fine, everyone has come through the (Ipswich) game; a few bumps and bruises as you would expect from a tough encounter but we are okay, we are healthy.”
While Argyle has only one point from a difficult run of home league games, they have won two of their previous three away games, defeating Swansea City (1-0) and Middlesbrough (2-0) following a 3-1 loss to Sunderland.
Ryan Hardie, who scored against Sunderland and Middlesbrough, will look to score for the third time in a row away from home. He took a hit against Ipswich, but Foster believed he would be good to play Sheffield Wednesday.
Foster stated, “They were in yesterday, but it was a recovery session, so we’ll get a good assessment of him (Hardie) today in terms of our tactical work on the grass and see how he is.” I believe it was merely.
The significance of the game against Sheffield Wednesday is clear. With a win, Argyle will be eight points ahead of the Owls, while a defeat will reduce the difference to two points.
Foster stated, “The players are always eager to play, so getting them ready is never an issue. The players are eager to compete, and there is healthy rivalry for positions. We understand the importance of every game, not just this one, so we are looking forward to the challenge of going to Sheffield Wednesday and hoping to earn a result there.”
The bottom of the Championship has gotten increasingly tight, with eight teams separated by five points, from Argyle in 16th to Sheffield Wednesday.
