'Leader' Edwards closing in on Plymouth return

Plymouth Argyle captain Joe Edwards is getting close to a return to full fitness after more than three months out.

The 34-year-old has not played since suffering a hamstring injury at the end of October.

The defender has played 234 times for the Pilgrims - and earned two promotions - since joining in the summer of 2019.

He assisted interim head coach Kevin Nancekivell after Wayne Rooney left the club on 31 December and has also done some work as a television pundit during his time on the sidelines.

"I think the captain is about to return," head coach Miron Muslic said.

"We are speaking about just a small time window until Joe can support us.

"He supported us anyway, all the way, even in his injury, it says a lot about his personality, says a lot about his character. That's a proper captain.

"So I'm very much looking forward to having him fully, fully available, so he can support us and help us on the pitch and I think we're very close to seeing him back."

Muslic, who succeeded Rooney last month, was quick to praise the character of Edwards, who signed a new deal until the summer of 2026 last September.

Edwards helped Argyle to the League One title two years ago and scored the vital goal as the Pilgrims beat Hull City 1-0 on the final day of last season to maintain their Championship status.

"He's a leader - he was the leader in a difficult moment for us, but also in a difficult moment personally for him because you want to support, you want to help, you want to lead, but you can't because you're injured," added Muslic.

"We will need this leadership, we will need his presence, we will need his big, big green heart on the pitch very soon so he can really support more than ever on the pitch.

"It's our task now to prepare him as best as possible to keep him until the end of the season."