Plymouth Argyle to suffer huge miss v Exeter City - he could’ve been the pantomime villain | OneFootball

Caleb Watts' injury removes one of the fixture's most intriguing narratives

Plymouth Argyle midfielder Caleb Watts will miss the upcoming Devon Derby against Exeter City, denying fans the chance to see one of the most intriguing storylines of the League One transfer window play out in the season.

The 23-year-old, who controversially crossed the divide from Exeter to Plymouth over the summer, has been ruled out for up to four months after scans revealed he requires surgery on a hamstring injury.

Watts’ absence is a significant blow for Tom Cleverley’s side, who are already struggling with a growing injury list and inconsistent early-season form.

But beyond his on-pitch quality, which has been evident in his start to life at Home Park, the midfielder's omission removes a compelling subplot from one of the third tier's emotional rivalries.

Caleb Watts ruled out of Devon Derby clash after surgery blow after controversial summer switch

When Watts swapped St James Park for Home Park in June, the move immediately set tongues wagging.

The ex-Australian youth international turned down what Exeter described as a “fair and competitive” contract offer to sign a three-year deal with their fiercest rivals, prompting a pointed - and widely criticised - statement from the Grecians.

“As a supporter-owned club with a unique and sustainable model, we take great pride in competing at this level despite one of the smallest budgets in the division,” Exeter’s statement read.

“We were unable to come close to matching the financial terms offered to Caleb by another club.”

The implication was clear, and it did little to endear Watts to his former fanbase. Plymouth supporters, meanwhile, relished the capture.

Watts was hailed by Argyle’s then-head coach Miron Muslic as a player with “real depth and competition” for the midfield, while Head of Football Operations David Fox praised his energy and ambition.

Watts’ brief time in green has already shown flashes of his ability, with his dynamism and eye for goal complementing Cleverley’s preferred high-intensity approach.

But that progress was halted abruptly in the opening minutes of Argyle’s 3-2 win at Luton Town, when the midfielder was forced off with the injury that has now ruled him out until the new year.

Cleverley admitted his disappointment after the diagnosis was confirmed:

“We all know he’s a good player with really good qualities, especially for how I want to play,” he said.

“The question mark has always been whether he can repeat that over and over, and unfortunately his body’s broken down. I’m disappointed for him - he’ll be a miss, his character, his strong mentality - and I wish him all the best in his rehab.”

Caleb Watts injury a blow for Plymouth Argyle - and a missed moment for the derby

Watts’ absence will be felt on the pitch. Plymouth, sitting lower mid-table after 11 games, have shown flashes of quality but remain inconsistent.

Cleverley’s side have struggled to turn dominance into results, and the lack of continuity in midfield has not helped.

Watts’ ability to carry the ball and link play between the lines would have been an asset against a disciplined Exeter side that has impressed in spells this season despite sitting 16th.

But beyond the tactical impact, there’s a sense that his injury has robbed the Devon Derby of its pantomime villain.

When Plymouth visit St James Park later this month, Watts’ reception would undoubtedly have been hostile. For fans on both sides, it was a fixture that promised to carry added spice - the kind of drama that makes local derbies so captivating.

Plymouth and Exeter haven’t met since April 2023, when the Pilgrims sealed a narrow 1-0 win on their way to the League One title.

The return of the fixture, following Argyle’s relegation from the Championship, was already one of the most anticipated matches on the calendar. The fact that Watts won’t feature removes a key emotional flashpoint.

Even without Watts, the Devon Derby rarely disappoints. Exeter boss Gary Caldwell will be eager to build momentum after a mixed run of results, including a 1-1 draw with Reading overshadowed by reports of racist abuse from the away end.

Argyle, meanwhile, continue to search for consistency. A 1-1 draw with Wigan typified their season so far: flashes of attacking invention undermined by defensive lapses.

Cleverley will demand more control when his side host AFC Wimbledon next week before travelling to Exeter on 25th October.