Ryan Hardie & Mustapha Bundu: Plymouth Argyle strikers given fitness boost
- Published
Mustapha Bundu (right) has often come off the bench for Ryan Hardie when the two have both been fit
Plymouth Argyle strikers Ryan Hardie and Mustapha Bundu are likely to be back in action by the end of the month.
The pair both suffered hamstring injuries in the 3-2 defeat at Ipswich Town at the end of last month.
Hardie had been Argyle's top scorer at the time with six goals, while Bundu got his first goal since a deadline day move from Anderlecht in the 3-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday at Home Park.
Boss Steven Schumacher says both could be fit after the international break.
"Mustapha is out jogging on the grass, Ryan Hardie's been the same," Schumacher said.
"Mustapha is still slightly ahead of schedule we'd say, we'll probably see him before we see Ryan, but I know what Ryan's like, he wants to play in the Sunderland game."
Sunderland visit Home Park on 25 November, in the first fixture after the final international window of 2023, with a trip to Coventry City the following Tuesday.
Their absence has left New Zealand international Ben Waine as Argyle's only recognised striker, though Morgan Whittaker has scored in each of Plymouth's last three matches.
"We know how important those two players in particular are because of the area of the pitch they play, and we're a bit short when they're both injured at the same time," added Schumacher.
"You want as many fit players to choose from as possible.
"We haven't got the biggest squad, but obviously really inexperienced for the Championship, so the stronger squad we can get the better.
"But you have to trust the medical department to get that right and also the players have got to be honest with us and be ready when they're available, so it's important that you don't rush these things."