Wayne Rooney confirms Brendan Galloway out for up to six weeks; injured playing for Zimbabwe

By Plymouth Live

Defender Brendan Galloway has been ruled out of action for Plymouth Argyle for four to six weeks after a scan of his ankle injury, head coach Wayne Rooney has confirmed.

It also means the 28-year-old will miss the final two 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers for Zimbabwe, who are close to securing a spot in the finals to be held in Morocco at the end of next year. He was injured in the first half of Zimbabwe’s Group J game against Namibia last Monday, which was played at the Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, last Monday.

Zimbabwe went on to win that match 3-1 and know if they avoid defeat to Kenya on November 10 they will clinch AFCON qualification for the sixth time in their history, but they will have to do it without Galloway.

The same applies to Argyle and their forthcoming Championship matches, although Galloway has been a substitute since September because of the developing centre-back pairing of Lewis Gibson and Kornel Szucs.

Rooney said: “Brendan will be four to six weeks with an ankle injury. I know he hasn’t played much this season but he’s a big part of what we are trying to do. I’m disappointed to lose him and hopefully just after the next international break we can get him back.”

Argyle at least have good cover for the centre-back positions, with Iceland international Victor Palsson and Julio Pleguezuelo both capable of playing there. Palsson was an unused substitute for the Pilgrims’ 5-0 defeat at Cardiff City on Saturday while Pleguezuelo travelled with the squad but did not make the matchday squad.

Galloway started Zimbabwe’s two AFCON qualifiers in the last international break, both against Namibia, and has now made five appearances for his country. He will be looking to be part of their squad for the finals if they can clinch a place, with the tournament to be held in December 2025 into January 2026.