The Welsh team remains unbeaten in their last two matches, securing their first win of the season with a 1-0 victory over Millwall at home, followed by a 1-1 draw away at Bristol City.
Wayne Rooney’s Argyle squad will aim to secure their first away win of the season as they visit, having earned only one point from their four away games so far.
With three straight home victories, the Greens will hope to carry that momentum on the road, as both teams look to make a strong return following the international break.
Both teams will be without key players for the clash in the Welsh capital, with the home side facing several absences. Here’s a breakdown of who will be unavailable for selection on Saturday.
Cardiff City: Ryotaro Tsunoda
The Bluebirds have already had several players sidelined for extended periods this season, and there doesn’t appear to be any immediate change in that situation.
Japanese defender Ryotaro Tsunoda is still dealing with a hamstring injury that has kept him off the field so far, and his return is unlikely in the near future.
Riza spoke to Wales Online about the issue, saying, “We discussed the possibility of sending him on loan during the summer, so he could gain match fitness and be back by January.
“That’s still a possibility, but it’s not completely clear yet due to the nature of his injury.
“He’s likely to return in January.”
Kion Etete
Kion Etete has also been unable to make an appearance this season, having suffered an injury during the Bluebirds’ pre-season tour of Austria.
When asked about the frontman, Riza told Wales Online: “Kion’s training now, but we’re making sure he’s not doing too much, so he will be the floater in training now.
“He has not had any contact. He had a full session today but we pulled him out of the game at the end to protect him. But in the next week or two should be in contention to be in the squad.”
Isaak Davies
Isaak Davies is still sidelined after tearing his hamstring in the pre-season, with the 23-year-old expected to be out for at least another month before making his return to first-team action.
Having not played a single game this season, City has felt the absence of his speed and strength in attack, and they will be eager for his comeback as soon as possible.
Aaron Ramsey
Another long-term absentee is Aaron Ramsey, with the Welsh international’s injury woes catching up with him once again in the current campaign.
Having featured in his side’s first four matches of the season, the 33-year-old has not featured since suffering a hamstring injury at the start of September, with his return unlikely to come in the next few weeks.
Cian Ashford
Cian Ashford withdrew from Wales’ Under-21 match against Slovakia on Monday due to injury but is expected to be fit for Tuesday night’s game against Portsmouth.
Despite missing his international duty, Rubin Colwill has been cleared to play on Saturday, having recovered from an illness.
Carlton Palmer has expressed surprise that Cardiff City haven’t pursued Steven Schumacher or Ryan Lowe.
Earlier this week, Riza addressed the duo’s status with Wales Online, saying, “They’re both doing well. Rubin has been in training for the past two days. As for Ash, we’ve been taking care of his back, and he’ll return to training on Sunday.”Plymouth Argyle: Brendan Galloway
The only expected change to Rooney’s first-team squad this weekend involves Brendan Galloway, who sustained an injury during international duty with Zimbabwe.
The ex-Luton Town player reportedly injured his ankle in Monday’s match against Namibia, forcing him to be substituted after less than 30 minutes.
Speaking to *Plymouth Live*, Rooney said: “We’re waiting for the scan results, but it’s highly unlikely he’ll be fit for Saturday. The injury is to his ankle, but we won’t know the specifics until the scan is done.”
Conor Hazard
Conor Hazard, who was expected to compete with new teammate Daniel Grimshaw for the starting goalkeeper position following Grimshaw’s transfer from Blackpool, has been sidelined until the New Year due to an ankle injury.
The Northern Irishman underwent surgery last month after suffering the injury during a home match against Stoke City. With a recovery timeline of 12 weeks, Hazard will be unavailable for selection for the foreseeable future.
Muhamed Tijani
Muhamed Tijani’s situation is also comparable, as the Slavia Prague loan player underwent surgery for a hamstring injury earlier this month.
The Nigerian is expected to be sidelined for the next four months, leading Rooney to sign former Watford striker Andre Gray on a temporary deal until January to strengthen attacking options.
Gray will remain with the club throughout Tijani’s recovery, though it is anticipated that the striker will be unavailable until February.
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