The loan signing from Aston Villa is set to be out of action for ‘a good while’ according to Pilgrims’ boss Steven Schumacher
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Finn Azaz is set to miss 10 to 12 weeks of Plymouth Argyle's League One promotion push because of a serious injury to his right ankle.
Pilgrims' boss Steven Schumacher admitted the lengthy absence of Aston Villa loan signing Azaz was a blow but he believes there is still enough quality in his squad to compensate for that.
Argyle opened up a four-point lead over second-placed Ipswich Town at the top of League One after their 4-2 Devon derby victory over Exeter City at a sold-out Home Park on Monday night.
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Azaz missed out on the match after he was injured by a tackle from an opposing player during the 2-1 home win against Shrewsbury Town last Tuesday.
The 22-year-old has been a star performer for Argyle at the start of this season, with six goals and three assists from a total of 13 starts and five substitute appearances.
Schumacher gave an update on Azaz after the victory over Exeter, as well as on the recoveries of Danny Mayor and Mickel Miller from calf and thigh injuries.
On Azaz, the Argyle manager said: "It's quite a serious ankle injury. He's going to be missing for a good while – 10 to 12 weeks maybe.
"There is ligament damage and a fracture in his ankle. It's a big blow, but Danny isn't too far away – two, three weeks away – and Mickel Miller the same – three weeks away, maybe four.
"He's obviously going to take a bit of time to get going because he hasn't played this season, but we need them back."
Azaz had hit top form in October, scoring twice in the 4-1 win away to MK Dons and coming up with a spectacular goal-of-the-season contender when the Pilgrims drew 2-2 at Bristol Rovers.
His form for Argyle at the start of the season also led to a first international call-up for Azaz, who played for the Republic of Ireland under-21s in a European Championship play-off away to Israel.
Niall Ennis took over the 'number 10' role vacated by Azaz against Exeter and that could become a regular position for him going forward.
Schumacher said: "We didn't have him (against Exeter) and we have managed to score four goals. It's a blow but with the players we have got we feel as though they can keep producing performances.
"We might have to tweak things slightly but we will figure it out and find a way. Finn is gutted, I spoke to him (on Sunday), he was going in to Aston Villa to see their specialist.
"His scan was going to the surgeon (on Monday) to see if he needs operating on or not. Nick (Fulton, Argyle's head physio) might know more than me right now."
The timeframe for Azaz's absence means that he could be out of action for the promotion-chasing Pilgrims until late January.
A successful return to fitness of Mayor in the near future, though, would be a big help for Argyle, especially as he is ideally suited to playing that same 'number 10' position as Azaz.
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