Plymouth Argyle Ryan Lowe has delivered a worrying update on the fitness of right-back Joe Riley ahead of their weekend clash with Forest Green.

Riley has been an ever present for the side this season but missed Saturday's FA Cup clash with Bolton Wanderers after suffering the knock, but Lowe has revealed that the player is determined to carry on.

"We've got no injuries other than Jose Baxter," he told his pre-match press conference on Thursday, reported by the club's official Twitter account.

"Joe Riley is OK, he trained Tuesday, training today. Joe has, we think, got a slight break in his arm.

"He doesn't want to get the operation because it will rule him out, so we will monitor that and look after him."

So far this season Riley has notched one goal in 13 League Two appearances as the Pilgrims falter in their bid to make an immediate return to the third tier.

He arrived at the club in the summer of 2018 on a free transfer after leaving Shrewsbury Town, going on to make 36 appearances in that time.

With 16 games played Lowe's side sit in 13th place, despite being made one of the pre-season favourites to win promotion, and will be looking to get their campaign back on track against table-toppers Forest Green on Saturday.

A win could see them rise to within one point of the play-off places, however, and having won promotion with Bury last season, Lowe will not be giving up hope.

The verdict

It is certainly a risk from Riley, not wanting to undergo surgery, but you have to expect that it means he is not being hampered too much by the knock.

So I think it is good that Lowe has shown trust in the defender and will back him with what he feels is best.