Mackenzie facing another prolonged spell on sidelines

THERE has been another injury setback for luckless Plymouth Argyle left-back Jack Mackenzie but there is some encouraging news about Xavier Amaechi and his recovery from a long-term hamstring issue.

- By CHRIS ERRINGTON

MacKenzie joined the Pilgrims in the summer from Scottish Cup winners Aberdeen but has yet to make a competitive appearance for them. Initially, he was ruled out by a knee tendon problem, then shin splints and now has a foot injury and there is no timescale on when the 25-year-old could be ready to make his debut.

Amaechi, another of Argyle's close season recruits, suffered his hamstring issue towards the end of August and is making good progress in his rehabilitation. The 24-year-old attacking player could be back in action in around a month.

The left fullback or wing-back position has been an issue for the Pilgrims all season and there is no sign of Mackenzie being ready to try to solve it for them.

Argyle head coach Tom Cleverley said about Mackenzie: "I feel for Jack. He's a hard worker in the gym but it's setback after setback at the minute. It's one step forward, two steps back and that has been the story of his rehab.