Plymouth Argyle hopes raised over Ibrahim Cissoko and Muhamed Tijani

Plymouth Argyle pair Ibrahim Cissoko and Muhamed Tijani have taken the next step in their recoveries from long-term injuries, Wayne Rooney has revealed.

The two loan signings did some rehab work at the Harper's Park training ground this morning while the rest of the Pilgrims' squad prepared for the trip to Championship leaders Sheffield United on Saturday. While neither Cissoko nor Tijani will be ready to play until next month it was still a positive sign they are getting closer to a return to action.

Tijani has made just one start and two substitute appearances since joining Argyle on loan from Slavia Prague in the Czech Republic over the summer. The Nigerian striker last played in a 3-1 win against Luton Town at Home Park in late September, since when he has been sidelined by a torn hamstring.

Cissoko, meanwhile, was one of the early season stars for the Pilgrims as he began his loan from French club Toulouse. However, he was sent-off in the 5-0 defeat away to Cardiff City in mid-October and a groin injury then ruled out the Dutch inder-21 international winger.

Rooney told a Press conference at Home Park this lunchtime: "It was really nice this morning to see TJ and Cissoko on the grass. It will still be at some point in January but that was encouraging.

"They are just stepping up their rehab with both being out for a long period of time, TJ in particular. They are still on track for the timescale we were given.

"I have been there as a player, I know it's frustrating being in the gym and doing all your rehab and stuff. Once you get back on the grass that gives you the appetite to try to get back in as soon as possible."

Rooney confirmed the substitution of Mustapha Bundu immediately after he scored for Argyle in their 2-1 home defeat by Swansea City on Tuesday night was done for tactical reasons and not an injury issue.

"We planned that change before he scored," said the Pilgrims' boss. "He limped off a little bit - I think he had cramp - but he's fine. He has trained as normal today."

Bundu has got a goal in each of his last two games, with the previous one coming when the Pilgrims were thrashed 6-1 at Norwich City, although when he netted at Carrow Road it reduced the hosts' lead to 2-1.

Rooney said: "Moose has got a lot of ability. He can play in different positions as well for us. He has scored a couple of goals of late, which is good. You want players who are in form or know where the back of the net is."

Defender Brendan Galloway made his comeback from an ankle injury against Swansea after being out of action since October and while a poor clearance from him led to the Welsh visitors opening the scoring the Zimbabwe international successfully came through the 90-plus minutes without any fitness concerns.

Rooney said: "I thought Brendan did okay. Obviously, the first goal was disappointing. Gibbo (Lewis Gibson) gets a little bit underneath it and loses the flight of the ball, and then Brendan should clear it better.

"Other than that, he did okay. What was encouraging was when we moved him to left-back he was still trying to get forward, and defending front-footed as he does. It was really good to have Brendan back."

Rooney reported that Argyle teenage pair Freddie Issaka and Caleb Roberts had both taken part in training today after being ruled out of the game against Swansea by illness and were in contention to be part of the squad against Sheffield United.

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