Plymouth Argyle have been handed a major fitness boost with striker Bim Pepple declared fit for their top-of-the-table clash against Huddersfield Town this Saturday. The Canadian forward has recovered from a hamstring strain that kept him out of last weekend's draw with AFC Wimbledon.

Manager Tom Cleverley told reporters that Pepple is ready to contribute significant minutes. "We won't be reckless with Bim," Cleverley said. "We don't want to put him under extreme fatigue, but for sure 60 minutes is an option."

Pepple’s return is a significant lift for the league leaders, who face a Huddersfield side sitting fourth in the table. The Terriers have 16 points from nine games, three points behind Plymouth, and will travel to Home Park looking to close the gap. Huddersfield's last outing was a dramatic 2-2 draw with Sheffield Wednesday at the John Smith's Stadium, where they conceded twice in the final minutes to drop two points.

Squad updates

While Pepple returns, Plymouth will be without captain Joe Edwards for the match. Edwards was forced off after just half an hour against Wimbledon and is targeting a return for the midweek trip to Stevenage. Defender Julio Pleguezuelo, however, is now fit after missing the last three games with a knee issue.

Pepple has been a key figure for Argyle since joining from Luton Town, scoring 16 league goals in 35 appearances last season. This campaign he has netted four times in nine games before his injury. His availability adds firepower to a Plymouth attack that will test a Huddersfield defence which has conceded nine goals so far this season.

Terriers' recent form

Huddersfield Town's form has been mixed, with two wins, two draws and one loss in their last five matches. Their attack has been potent, scoring 16 goals this term, with Joe Taylor leading the way with six. They will need that threat against a Plymouth side that has played at least one game more than most of its rivals and holds a two-point lead over second-placed Bradford City.

The fixture is a key early-season encounter in the promotion race. Huddersfield's next assignment after this is a home game, which fans can see on the club's fixtures page. Cleverley's side host the Terriers at Home Park on Saturday afternoon.

This story first appeared at footballlowdown.com