Plymouth Argyle face an anxious wait for scan results on Michael Baidoo's hamstring injury. The forward was forced off during the club's final pre-season friendly, a 0-0 draw with Bristol City on Saturday, as reported by the BBC.
Baidoo, 27, had been a bright spot in Argyle's summer preparations after returning from a loan spell at Umm Salal. He became the club's record signing when he arrived from Swedish side Elfsborg for over £1 million in January 2025. Head coach Tom Cleverley told BBC Radio Devon the injury was a major setback.
"It's really unfortunate first of all for Michael, he's been excellent pre-season," Cleverley said. "His technical ability gives us good control in the attacking areas."
How does the injury affect Plymouth's attack?
The timing is particularly difficult for Argyle. The club has recently sold striker Lorent Tolaj to Bristol City, and other attacking options Caleb Watts and Tegan Finn are also sidelined with injuries. This leaves the squad's forward line significantly depleted as the new League One season approaches. You can view the full list of unavailable players on the club's injuries page.
Cleverley confirmed the club is actively trying to bring in reinforcements. "We need reinforcements, there's obviously bids in," he said. He added that completing a deal requires agreement from all parties, but expressed confidence in the recruitment team, which includes director of football Derek Adams and head of football operations David Fox.
What has Michael Baidoo's role been?
Baidoo struggled for game time in the Championship after his big-money move. His loan to Qatar for the 2025-26 campaign seemed to signal a possible exit. However, Cleverley has reintegrated him this summer, praising his adaptation to the intensity of English football. The manager highlighted Baidoo's control in possession and his explosive change of pace as key assets.
"I've been impressed with his intensity and maybe his body adapting to English football, the duels and how intense every action is," Cleverley noted. This pre-season represented a fresh start for the Ghanaian, making the injury all the more frustrating for player and club.
What are Plymouth's next steps?
The immediate focus is on Baidoo's medical assessment. Cleverley said he hoped the player was substituted at the right moment to prevent serious damage, but the scan will provide the definitive answer. In the meantime, the search for a new striker continues. The club has seen bids rejected but remains hopeful of securing a target soon.
This situation puts a spotlight on Argyle's squad depth early in the Cleverley era. The manager's first competitive match in charge is now just days away, and navigating these early absences will be an immediate challenge. Fans can track the team's upcoming schedule on our fixtures page. The club currently sits in the middle of the standings after the opening games, aiming to build momentum.
Cleverley's trust in the recruitment panel suggests further activity is likely before the transfer window closes. For now, the wait is on for news regarding Baidoo's fitness and for potential new arrivals to bolster the attacking options at Home Park.
