Tom Cleverley "absolutely will" take Plymouth Argyle free transfer stance amid injury blow on one condition | OneFootball

Plymouth Argyle were recently handed some bad news in the form of Caleb Watts' hamstring injury.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Plymouth Argyle have been handed a major injury blow with the news that Caleb Watts will be sidelined until the new year with a hamstring problem.

After suffering relegation from the Championship last term, the Pilgrims got to work immediately in the transfer window, bringing 15 new players to Home Park in somewhat of a squad overhaul.

This list included talented operators such as Lorent Tolaj, Aribim Pepple and Ayman Benarous. Argyle had a new manager too, with Tom Cleverley taking his first job since being dismissed by Watford earlier this year.

There was optimism heading into the campaign that with a fresh batch of players and a new boss in the home dugout, promotion back to the Championship could be a realistic prospect.

However, Plymouth started the season dreadfully, losing five of their first six League One matches, which left them dwindling in the relegation zone. Pressure was already beginning to ramp up on Cleverley, with a single 1-0 triumph over fellow strugglers Blackpool the only source of positivity.

The Pilgrims have managed to turn their fortunes around since then, beating the likes of Stockport County and Luton Town consecutively to push them back up the table and quell any immediate relegation fears.

Despite this boost in form, there has still been some bad news at Home Park. Summer signing Caleb Watts had started Argyle’s first eight league outings, scoring twice in that time, but suffered a hamstring injury against Luton, which requires surgery.

This could leave the playmaker sidelined for up to four months, which could force Cleverley into scoping out the free agent market for a temporary replacement.

Plymouth Argyle told to bide their time amid Caleb Watts injury

However, Football League World’s Plymouth Argyle fan pundit, Luke Hodge, doesn’t believe that the situation requires such drastic action at this moment in time.

“It’s really disappointing to lose Caleb Watts for four months,” stated Luke. "He's been one of our better players, if not our best player this season.

“Unfortunately, he has a long-term injury. So, whether we dive into the free market, if Cleverley fancies someone there, then absolutely we will.

"But I have a feeling that he does have a number of players who tend to be able to play numerous positions. In Watts’ position, we've got quite a few who can cover.

“If we do get any more injuries, then we will definitely have to dive into the free transfer market. But if not, I think he might just wait until after Christmas in the January transfer window, where we can have a look at the situation then.

“But as it stands, I don't think we'll be desperate to go straight into the free transfer market. I don't think we're at that stage yet.”

Plymouth Argyle should reassess Watts situation come January

Although Cleverley may be tempted to bring in some fresh blood given the extent of Watts’ injury, it might not be the best move to make at this moment in time.

Players such as Owen Dale and Jamie Paterson should be able to provide necessary cover in the area Watts operates out of, allowing Argyle’s boss to assess how his team are coping without the 23-year-old’s services.

Argyle have also added youngster Law McCabe on loan from Middlesbrough, and could be one that the Pilgrims boss sees as capable of operating as an attacking midfielder given the fact Cleverley has already lauded his technical ability.

It’s unlikely that a free agent will be able to come and replicate Watts’ performances and may potentially just take up wages that could be better spent elsewhere.

Therefore, Plymouth’s