Plymouth Argyle suffer Dale injury blow

Plymouth Argyle winger Owen Dale could be out for up to three months with an ankle injury.

The 27-year-old, who is on loan at Home Park from Championship side Oxford United, was hurt in the 1-0 win over Rotherham United.

Dale had travelled up to Doncaster Rovers with the Argyle squad, but a scan on Friday showed he has grade three ligament damage in his ankle.

Argyle head coach Tom Cleverley said Dale's intent to try and play in the 5-1 win at Doncaster showed his commitment to the side.

"He had all the intentions of putting his body on the line through a lot of pain," Cleverley told BBC Radio Devon.

"Those type of guys that will do that for the club, you desperately want them to be alright and unfortunately it was bad news."

Dale, who has played 15 times for the Pilgrims, will stay in Plymouth for his rehabilitation.

Cleverley said it was bad timing after Dale had turned in a number of impressive showings in recent weeks.

"He's a warrior, he's a grafter. If anyone's going to turn 10, 12 weeks into six or eight, it'll be Owen," Cleverley added.

"I've been there as a player where just at the wrong time you get an injury.

"It's tough mentally, so I think it's important he spends some time with his family.

"He sums up the mentality of the squad at the minute and that is to sacrifice yourself for the team, for the club and I'm gutted that we lose a soldier like that."