Duguid and Mpenza nearing fitness

Plymouth Argyle have not won a game since Duguid got injured

Plymouth Argyle manager Paul Sturrock is hoping to have his two big summer signings, Karl Duguid and Emile Mpenza, fit in time for the Christmas period.

Skipper Duguid has been out for six weeks since tearing a calf muscle in the 2-1 win over Cardiff while Mpenza has been out with a hamstring problem.

Argyle have not won a game since Duguid has been injured.

"We'll have to wait and see when he comes back if he has been the reason why we've struggled," Sturrock said.

Sturrock had hoped Duguid would be back fit for the Championship match at Cardiff City on 28 December, but he says the midfielder may well make the Southampton game on Boxing Day:

We haven't won a game since he's come out of the team. His influence as far as the captaincy is concerned shows that

Argyle boss Paul Sturrock

"We targeted Cardiff but I'm sure Karl will be chomping at the bit to get back for this one (against Southampton).

"We'll wait to see how he trains over the next couple of days before we decide whether to take a chance on him or not.

"We haven't won a game since he's come out of the team. His influence, as far as the captaincy is concerned, shows that."

Belgian striker Emile Mpenza has been back in his homeland getting treatment on his hamstring injury and Sturrock expects him back in the country imminently.

"His physio has been in touch with me. He's going to be on a plane on Tuesday and back training on Wednesday morning."