Holmes set to miss Plymouth clash, but Diamond in line for return

The former Portsmouth man suffered a back spasm in the warm-up ahead of Tuesday night’s 2-0 defeat at Barnet, which led to him pulling out of the team, and he is struggling to be fit for the weekend.

On the plus side, central defender Zander Diamond could return.

The Scotsman was withdrawn at half-time of the 3-0 win over Exeter City last Saturday with a groin strain, that saw him miss the trip to The Hive.

Diamond though is due to train with the first team on Friday, and is expected to be fit to take on Argyle.

“Ricky Holmes will possibly miss the weekend,” revealed Town boss Chris Wilder.

“He suffered a back spasm at Barnet before the kick-off, and that was really unfortunate for us and our planning, and more importantly for Ricky going back to his old club.

“He has looked sharp and ready to start, as obviously we have held him back a little bit as we had to make sure he was right.

“It was a freak back spasm that is no major concern, but will possibly make him unavailable for the weekend, which is disappointing.

“I should imagine Zander will train on Friday, and will be fit for Saturday, which is good.”

Brendan Moloney and Evan Horwood, who have both yet to feature this season, both remain sidelined and won’t be involved at the weekend.