Plymouth is likely to lose Bali Mumba for the rest of the season, after the wing-back was stretchered off in the Pilgram’s 3-1 victory to Morecambe on Good Friday.
With Plymouth fighting for promotion atop of League One, there is no timetable on when the 21-year-old may return, however, he was seen leaving the stadium in a knee brace after the important victory.
Currently on loan from Championship club Norwich, Mumba has been a versatile piece for the League One leaders, playing in both wing-back positions for his team.
With 37 appearances in the league, the Englishman has tallied six goals and six assists throughout the season, which is a crucial reason why the Pilgrims are in the position they are.
The EFL Young Player of the Month for September came on as a substitute in the 75th in the Good Friday fixture, however, suffered a knee injury in the dying minutes of the game after landing awkwardly.
The victory late last week leaves Plymouth at the top of League One with a host of challengers still close behind them. Their closest competitor Ipswich, moved to 2nd place after an unbeaten run of 12 games put them two points behind the Devon club.
With seven games remaining in the season, the Green’s next test will be to host Lincoln City on Easter Monday.
With the recent 4-0 loss to Bolton at Wembley in the EFL Trophy still in their minds, Plymouth will hold their fate in their own hands as we come to the season’s closing months.
Speaking after the game on Mumba’s injury, manager Steven Schumacher said: “He has landed awkward on his knee. He said he has done it before.
“I don’t know the whole extent of it but he has landed awkward on his knee and he’s upset in there. Fingers crossed it’s not too bad.”
Writer’s View
With the season as close as it is at the top of League One, losing any starter at this point of the season is a huge blow.
Mumba was providing to be a useful player on either side of the pitch for Plymouth, and it won’t be easy for the team to replace his services. With that being said, Plymouth is still in a comfortable position if they want to return to the Championship and should still be favourited to do so, despite the injury blow.
