Plymouth Argyle defender Jack MacKenzie has been ruled out for a further two weeks after suffering a fresh setback in training, adding to what has already been a difficult start to life at Home Park.

The 26-year-old joined from Aberdeen in May 2025 and has made just 12 appearances in all competitions since arriving. Tendonitis in his knee and shin splints had already restricted him badly, and now an adductor problem has delayed his return to the first-team picture once more.

Cleverley rallies around struggling defender

Head coach Tom Cleverley has been public in his support for the left-sided defender, describing him as an "incredibly hard worker" who had been doing everything asked of him before the latest problem surfaced.

"He has ticked all the boxes to return to play and unfortunately he's got a little niggle in his adductor," Cleverley said. "He was flying in training."

Cleverley acknowledged the mental toll that repeated setbacks can take on a player, and stressed that the squad has been supporting MacKenzie through the frustration.

"There will be an element of guilt from the player and all the stuff which goes through your mind when you've had bad injuries for a long period," he said. "We've rallied around him at the minute because he's had a small setback."

The coach remained optimistic that the defender's work ethic would eventually be rewarded. "When you work as hard as he does, in the end it works out, so I'm hoping that's the case for Jack," he added.

Cover already stretched at Home Park

MacKenzie's continued absence is a concern for Plymouth's defensive options. The Pilgrims already have Boateng facing an extended spell on the sidelines, meaning Cleverley is managing his back line carefully as the League One season builds momentum.

Plymouth have made a bright start to the campaign, and Cleverley declared himself content with his squad heading into the season. But with injuries biting early, keeping a settled defensive unit on the pitch is proving a challenge.

MacKenzie was a Scottish Cup winner before making the move south, and was seen as an experienced addition who could provide reliable cover and competition on the left. The hope will be that, once fit, he can finally string a run of games together and justify the faith the club has shown in sticking with him through this difficult spell.

A two-week absence, if accurate, would put his potential return in mid-September, giving Plymouth around a dozen more League One fixtures in which MacKenzie could finally make a sustained contribution to the cause.

Frequently asked

How long is Jack MacKenzie out for Plymouth?
Plymouth head coach Tom Cleverley confirmed MacKenzie faces around two more weeks out after picking up an adductor injury in training.
What injuries has Jack MacKenzie had at Plymouth?
Since joining from Aberdeen in May 2025, MacKenzie has been hampered by tendonitis in his knee, shin splints, and most recently an adductor problem, limiting him to just 12 appearances.
Who is Jack MacKenzie?
Jack MacKenzie is a 26-year-old defender who signed for Plymouth Argyle from Scottish club Aberdeen in May 2025. He is a Scottish Cup winner.