Onismor Bhasera absence is a big blow, says Plymouth Argyle boss
MANAGER Carl Fletcher has admitted it is a blow for Argyle they will be without Onismor Bhasera for the Devon derby against Torquay at Plainmoor tomorrow.
Bhasera is on international duty with Zimbabwe, who have a home game against Angola in a 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Sunday.
It comes after the 25-year-old put in an outstanding performance in the Pilgrims' 3-2 victory over Northampton Town last Saturday.
Playing on the left of midfield, Bhasera was a constant attacking threat to the visitors as Argyle picked up their first League Two win of the season at the fourth attempt.
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He had also impressed in the second half of the 2-1 defeat at Oxford United the previous Saturday, after he was moved forward from left-back.
Fletcher has several options open to him as to how to replace Bhasera in the team against Torquay, with wingers Johnny Gorman, Andres Gurrieri and Joe Lennox all possibilities.
"Bas did really well last week," Fletcher told Herald Sport. "He was finding a bit of form.
"He started that in the second half against Oxford so, obviously, it's disappointing to have him out of the team, but it gives an opportunity to someone else to come in and do well."
Fletcher, meanwhile, has given away no clues about whether strikers Paris Cowan-Hall and Rhys Griffiths will be fit to face the Gulls.
Both of the summer signings had to be substituted against Northampton because of injuries.
Asked about the availability of Griffiths for the Devon derby tomorrow, Fletcher replied: "We are just monitoring him. We will see. Hopefully, he will be all right. It's the same with Paris."
Cowan-Hall had to be taken off in the first half against Northampton because of a hamstring injury.
Griffiths was a half-time substitute in a tactical switch, and scored on his debut as a professional footballer.
But, after putting Argyle 2-1 up, he suffered a recurrence of the calf injury which had forced him to sit out the first five matches of the season.
The Pilgrims have already had some long road trips this term, most notably to Burnley in the Capital One Cup.
So it will be an unusual, but welcome, experience for Argyle not to have to travel overnight to an away game.
The round trip to Plainmoor is 68 miles compared, for example, to 640 for Burnley and 560 for Dagenham and Redbridge.
Fletcher said: "We are looking forward to not having to travel over four hours. It should be a great atmosphere with a full house there."
THERE will be a match report on Argyle's game against Torquay on www.thisisplymouth.co.uk shortly after the final whistle.
There will also be live updates on Twitter @plymouthsport and @ChrisErrington1
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