Plymouth Argyle manager Steven Schumacher has revealed that Finn Azaz is set to undergo the early stage of his rehabilitation from injury at Home Park instead of returning to his parent-club Aston Villa.

The midfielder suffered a broken ankle and ligament damage during Argyle's clash with Shrewsbury Town last month and is not expected to make his return to action until January.

Signed on a season-long loan deal from Villa in the summer transfer window, Azaz managed to play a key role in Plymouth's superb start to the season before suffering this setback.

In the 15 league games that he participated in earlier this year, the 22-year-old scored five goals and provided three assists for his team-mates.

Plymouth will be determined to maintain their push for promotion in the absence of Azaz by securing some positive results in their upcoming league fixtures.

Held to a draw by Lincoln City last weekend, the League One leaders will be determined to get back to winning ways tomorrow when they face Burton Albion.

Ahead of this fixture, Schumacher has issued an update on Azaz's current situation at Plymouth.

Speaking to Plymouth Live, Schumacher said: "He didn't have the operation so that was good.

"He's in and around, he's on crutches.

"His biceps look as though they are getting bigger, he's doing some upper body work.

"He's doing the early stage of his rehab down here.

"He felt that's where it would be best for him.

"We always try and speak to the injured lads.

"When you walk past them you see how they are getting on, try and have a conversation sometimes about different stuff if we can, but he's fine."

 

 

The Verdict

This is an understandable decision by Azaz as by staying at Plymouth, he will still be able to immerse himself in the highs as well as the lows that they will experience during his absence from action.

Providing that he does not suffer a setback in his road to recovery, the midfielder could potentially help Argyle sustain a push for a top-two finish in the New Year.

Having made considerable strides in terms of his development under the guidance of Schumacher, Azaz will be confident in his ability to cause all kinds of issues for Plymouth's opponents when he is fit enough to feature again.

Schumacher will be hoping that Azaz's team-mates will be able to maintain their consistency while he steps up his recovery from this aforementioned injury.