Plymouth Argyle: Miron Muslic details major Ryan Hardle blow ahead of Luton Town six-pointer | OneFootball

Plymouth Argyle boss Miron Muslic has offered a key injury update on Ryan Hardie ahead of the Pilgrims' big clash with Luton Town

Plymouth Argyle face a crucial Championship clash with relegation rivals Luton Town on Wednesday night, but they will likely have to go without in-form striker Ryan Hardie.

Wednesday night's action at Kenilworth Road pits the bottom of the table Hatters up against second-bottom Argyle, and the hosts would leapfrog their opponents with a victory.

Meanwhile, victory for Miron Muslic's men would see them climb out of the Championship relegation zone at the expense of Hull City, who drew 1-1 with Norwich City on Saturday.

Argyle suffered a 2-0 defeat to Blackburn Rovers on the weekend, but the most worrying sight for the Plymouth faithful came just 19 minutes into that clash, when Hardie was removed from the action due to injury.

Plymouth boss Muslic drops concerning Hardie injury update ahead of vital Luton test

It appears that Hardie will not be making it back for the relegation six-pointer clash with Luton on Wednesday, in what is set to be a major blow for the Pilgrims.

Argyle manager Muslic told the press at Monday lunchtime: "He (Hardie) was not able today to walk, so the time is absolutely against us for Wednesday, but we will also not try to over pace his recovery and to push, because I think Ryan is just in very good form and we will need him.

"There are still a lot of games to play, but we are running a little bit out of time for Wednesday.

"Let's see tonight (Monday), I will know more.

"I think it's something to do with a disc in his back and the nerve is trapped, but I'm not an expert in this.

"It makes it extremely difficult for Hardie simply to move, I'm speaking even about walking.

"It's a race against time.

"I will not take any risks with Hardie because it's an important one (against Luton), no doubt, but there are 13, 14 other important games.

"Over the last couple of weeks we have had some problems there or here, but we always look for solutions.

"In worse case scenario, if Hardie is out there are still solutions inside our frame and inside our squad.

"We will try to find the best possible solution, even knowing that just replacing goals like this is never easy, especially a big confidence boost like Hardie has right now.

"There are a lot of other guys waiting.

"We just need to maybe change and adapt something, but it should not be a problem."

Hardie's absence could be a major blow for Plymouth

Given the fact that Muslic has revealed that Hardie has been struggling to walk two days ahead of Argyle's clash with Luton, it appears highly likely that the star striker will be unable to feature in the match.

While the Argyle boss appears confident that his side can adapt to the 27-year-old's absence, there is no doubt that Plymouth's chances of winning Wednesday night's relegation six-pointer would be much greater if he was available.

Hardie has notched five goals in his last four games across all competitions, including the winner when his side defeated Premier League leaders Liverpool in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Having a confident, in-form striker such as the former Blackpool man on their side would certainly help Muslic and co defeat relegation rivals Luton on Wednesday night, but he is an asset they will likely have to go without.

Muslic drops positive injury update on Plymouth duo Joe Edwards and Julio Pleguezuelo

While the Pilgrims boss issued the sort of news supporters will not want to hear about Hardie, he provided a more positive update on defensive duo Joe Edwards and Julio Pleguezuelo, revealing: "Good news on both players. I think Joe, from this day on, is green-lighted.

"The only thing right now Joe needs is a big, big week for us on 100%.

"It's not possible having three games per week, but we have finally the green light from the medical department to throw him in.

"He will just need a little bit of time to adapt to the team load.

"It's easy to adapt and tick all the boxes individually, but with the team it's something different, and I think we are also on a very good way with Julio and his return should be for Saturday."

Edwards has not featured for Argyle since a 3-3 draw with Preston North End back in October, so the Home Park faithful will be pleased to hear that he has finally returned to fitness.

Meanwhile, Pleguezuelo missed out on the action when his side defeated Millwall 5-1 last Wednesday, and was also absent during their aforementioned loss at Blackburn.