A break from action comes at the ideal time for Argyle

TOM Cleverley believes the hip issue which led to Plymouth Argyle defender Alex Mitchell being substituted in the closing stages of the 3-0 win against Burton Albion at Home Park was a result of the busy recent fixture schedule.

- By CHRIS ERRINGTON

The Pilgrims had five games in 16 days over the Christmas and New Year period and Mitchell had played every single minute until he was taken off towards the end of the League One victory over Burton.

The 24-year-old loan signing from Charlton Athletic has been in excellent form lately, with Argyle much more solid defensively apart from the Boxing Day home game against Reading when Joe Ralls was sent-off in only the 12th minute and they went on to lose 4-1.

Cleverley said about the substitution of Mitchell against Burton: “We think that one is a bit more tightness in his hip. It’s the fixture schedule, especially with Mitch, he’s playing every minute.

“Four games in nine days is a little bit dangerous in terms of the players’ physical well-being. We understand that it's a great part of the festive period to be involved in football, and we love it, but sometimes the players’ fitness does sacrifice for that.”

PLAYERS DESERVE COUPLE OF DAYS REST SAYS CLEVERLEY

Argyle’s players have been given a couple of days off by Tom Cleverley after the hectic match schedule, with their next game not until they play Bristol Rovers in the Vertu Trophy round of 16 at the Memorial Stadium on Tuesday, January 13.

The Pilgrims will then be away to Peterborough United the following Saturday, looking to continue their good recent run of four wins and two draws for their last seven League One games.

Cleverley said: “It will be good to get some quality time with the players on the training field. Potentially do a bit of business next week and bed an incoming into the squad.