Plymouth Argyle are facing a lengthy absence from striker Owen Oseni after the 23-year-old suffered an ankle injury during the Pilgrims' EFL Trophy win over Crystal Palace Under-21s on 22 September.

Head coach Tom Cleverley told BBC Radio Devon that Oseni could be sidelined until the end of November, with a specialist advising extra caution because the ankle in question is one the Nigeria international has injured before.

"Because it's an ankle he's injured in the past, the specialist has advised we take a little bit more time to make sure that ankle heals and is as stable as it can be," Cleverley said.

A difficult start to the season

The setback is a frustrating one for Oseni and for Argyle. The forward had already missed a significant portion of pre-season with a thigh problem, meaning he had managed only two substitute appearances in League One before picking up this latest knock. The injury itself arrived in unremarkable circumstances: chasing a ball into the channel, a defender fell on him and his ankle turned.

"I'm disappointed for him because his season's not got going," Cleverley added. "He missed a large part of the pre-season and then he's trying to chase a little bit of fitness. Then in a sort of nothing action of the game his ankle sprains."

The timing is particularly cruel given the form Oseni showed last season. He scored 10 goals in 33 League One appearances after joining from Scottish side St Mirren, establishing himself as a reliable threat in the third tier. Argyle will be hoping he can rediscover that form once he returns to full fitness.

Better news on Pleguezuelo

There is, however, a more positive picture emerging around defender Julio Pleguezuelo. The 29-year-old Spaniard left Home Park in a knee brace during the 1-0 defeat to Burton Albion, prompting concern among supporters.

Cleverley moved quickly to reassure fans, explaining that the brace was purely precautionary. A scan has since cleared Pleguezuelo of any significant damage to the inside of the knee, and the club expect him to be back within a couple of weeks.

"It was completely precautionary," the Argyle boss said. "We have to do these things if ever there's a slight instability in a knee or an ankle. Having got the scan done very quickly we've ruled out any major damage to the inside of the knee."

Pleguezuelo had been one of Plymouth's more consistent performers this season, featuring in ten games, and his swift return will come as considerable relief to Cleverley.

What it means for Argyle's League One campaign

With Oseni ruled out for up to two months, Cleverley will need to find goals from elsewhere. The striker's absence puts greater pressure on the rest of the forward line to fill the void left by a player who was hitting double figures in the third tier last term.

Plymouth have already shown ambition this season, and Cleverley has spoken openly about targeting the top of the League One table. Losing a 10-goal striker to injury before he has even managed a full 90 minutes this campaign is a significant blow to those aspirations, even if the Pleguezuelo news softens it slightly.

Supporters will be hoping Oseni's rehabilitation goes smoothly and that, when he does return, he can pick up where he left off last season.

Frequently asked

How long is Owen Oseni out for Plymouth Argyle?
Plymouth Argyle expect Owen Oseni to be sidelined until the end of November at the earliest, following an ankle injury sustained on 22 September. A specialist has advised extra caution because it is the same ankle he has injured before.
How did Owen Oseni get injured?
Oseni hurt his ankle during Plymouth's EFL Trophy match against Crystal Palace Under-21s on 22 September. He was chasing the ball into the channel when a defender fell on him, causing his ankle to sprain. He was forced off after 33 minutes.
Is Julio Pleguezuelo seriously injured after the Burton game?
No. Although Pleguezuelo left Home Park in a knee brace following the 1-0 loss to Burton Albion, scans have ruled out any major damage. Plymouth's head coach Tom Cleverley described the brace as precautionary, and the defender is expected to return within a couple of weeks.