Plymouth Argyle defender Jack MacKenzie has suffered an injury setback that will keep him out for a further two weeks. The 26-year-old, who joined from Aberdeen in May 2025, sustained an abductor problem as he worked towards a first-team return, as reported by the BBC this week.
Head coach Tom Cleverley confirmed the news, describing MacKenzie as an "incredibly hard worker" whose hard work in training had put him on the cusp of a comeback. The defender has made 12 appearances in all competitions for Argyle but has been plagued by tendonitis in his knee and shin splints. Cleverley acknowledged the player will feel an element of guilt due to his long-term injury struggles, but said the squad has rallied around him.
What is the latest on Jack MacKenzie's fitness?
Jack MacKenzie's immediate return to the Plymouth Argyle lineup has been delayed by a fresh abductor injury. The club's medical staff have assessed the issue and ruled the defender out for a minimum of another fortnight. This compounds a frustrating period for the player, who has been managing tendonitis and shin splints. Cleverley noted that MacKenzie had been "flying in training" and had "ticked all the boxes" to return to play before this latest setback occurred.
The head coach expressed his hope that the defender's dedication will ultimately 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," Cleverley said. The team's support network is actively engaged, with the manager confirming the playing group has closed ranks to offer encouragement during a challenging rehabilitation phase.
How does this affect Plymouth Argyle's defensive options?
MacKenzie's continued absence comes as Plymouth Argyle prepare for their next League One fixture. The team currently sits 13th in the table with 7 points from their opening five matches, recording two wins, one draw, and two losses. Their recent form reads WLWDL, with 7 goals scored and 8 conceded for a -1 goal difference. They are five points behind early leaders Sheffield Wednesday.
With a key squad member unavailable, Cleverley must again adjust his defensive plans from the options listed on the club's squad page. The team's defensive record will be a focus as they aim to climb the standings. Every point is valuable in a tight division, and managing resources through injury periods is a test of squad depth.
When is Plymouth Argyle's next match?
Plymouth Argyle's immediate focus shifts to a home clash against Barnsley on September 12. Barnsley are positioned 14th, making it a closely matched encounter at Home Park. This fixture presents an opportunity for Argyle to build momentum and improve their league position ahead of a run of games you can track on our fixtures schedule.
The match kicks off a busy period in the calendar, and securing a positive result could provide a platform for the weeks ahead. Team selection for that game will now be made without MacKenzie, who will target a return later in the month. Plymouth Argyle will be looking to tighten up defensively after conceding eight goals in their first five league outings.
