Plymouth Argyle have suffered a major injury blow ahead of the new League One season, with midfielder Caleb Watts facing an extended spell on the sidelines. The 20-year-old, who joined from Southampton last summer, sustained the injury during pre-season training and is expected to miss the opening weeks of the campaign. The setback comes as Plymouth look to build on their strong finish to the 2025 season, where they secured 8th place with 73 points from 46 games, including a 4-game winning run to end the season (WWWWD).
What happened to Caleb Watts?
Watts picked up the injury during a training session last week, with initial assessments suggesting he could be sidelined for up to six weeks. The midfielder made 35 appearances last season, scoring 4 goals, and was expected to play a key role in Plymouth's push for promotion this term. Manager Steven Schumacher confirmed the news, stating, "It's a big blow for Caleb and the team. He's worked hard over the summer and was looking sharp in pre-season."
Why it matters for Plymouth
With the new season just weeks away, Watts' absence leaves a significant gap in midfield. Plymouth ended last season on a high, finishing 30 points behind leaders Lincoln but with strong momentum (last 5: WWWWD). The injury comes at a crucial time as Schumacher looks to finalize his squad ahead of the campaign opener. The club have been active in the transfer market, but losing Watts is a setback for their plans.
What comes next?
Plymouth will need to adjust their midfield plans, with Schumacher likely to turn to other options in the squad. The club's recent form (4W-1D-0L in last 5) suggests they have the resilience to cope, but replacing Watts' energy and creativity will be a challenge. Fans will hope for a speedy recovery, with the midfielder aiming to return as soon as possible.
