Pompey aim to extend their winning streak as they head to the capital to take on Charlton Athletic at The Valley in their upcoming EFL League One encounter.
Having won their last four matches, Portsmouth currently sit six points ahead of Derby County and Bolton Wanderers, both on 66 points. Although Portsmouth have played one more game than their rivals, they hope for slip-ups from Derby and Bolton as they face Charlton Athletic and Wigan Athletic respectively next Tuesday (February 27).
Despite enduring a month marred by injuries that have depleted their squad, Portsmouth’s unbeaten run persists. While some players’ seasons have prematurely ended due to various issues, the positive news is that several individuals are nearing a return to action. Though the Charlton match might arrive too soon for them, they could play a significant role in the crucial weeks ahead.
Portsmouth will be supported by over 3,000 fans, with 3,100 tickets already sold. Their recent record at Charlton’s ground isn’t impressive, having failed to secure a victory in their last four encounters. In the reverse fixture at Fratton Park in November, the teams settled for a 2-2 draw, with Alfie May and Colby Bishop scoring for Portsmouth, while Conor McGrandles netted in stoppage time for Charlton.
John Mousinho recently acknowledged the possibility of delving into the free agent market amidst the ongoing injury crisis, which has sidelined nine players. Here’s the latest injury updates and team news ahead of kick-off at Fratton Park.
1. Myles Peart-Harris – available (continued)
John Mousinho said: “Myles should be back with us on Friday. He was out on the grass with (head of medical) Steve (Hard) yesterday. ‘He’s a possibility to come back into the side at the weekend, I think he’s definitely going to be fit and available for selection.”
2. Myles Peart-Harris – available
Didn’t play against Reading last weekend. Missed the game with a thigh issue but could return this weekend.
3. Ben Stevenson – out
A knee injury has had fringe midfielder Stevenson sidelined for the last few months. He’s not yet in contention to return to the side. Photo: Jason Brown
4. Ben Stevenson – out (continued)
John Mousinho stated, “Ben is still about three or four weeks off.”It’s one of those where Ben has elected to go through a round of injections to try to speed things along, but it hasn’t worked as well as we would have liked.There’s nothing lost in that; we just decided to be a little more proactive about it. ‘There’s no problem, no setback; it just hasn’t accelerated as much as we’d want.’So Ben is still some time away. We need to make sure Ben comes back totally fit.”
5. Zak Swanson – out
In December, I had surgery on my groin. He has been out for the past two months, but he will be back in action soon. However, Saturday’s game is too soon for him.Zak Swanson, a Pompey defender, is approaching his return to training.
6. Zak Swanson – out
John Mousinho stated, ‘Zak will hopefully workout with us on Friday.He will not be available for selection this weekend, but if he does, he will begin training with us early next week. It may be too soon for the Oxford game, but we expect Zak to return the following week.It’s a huge lift, and he’s been one of the best performers this season.Zak handled everything quite well, but he has been injured for several weeks, so it’s fantastic to have him back.
7. Tom Lowery – out
Pompey midfielder Tom Lowery is about to learn the extent of his hamstring injury after being forced off against Cambridge United.
8. Tom Lowery – out (continued)
John Mousinho stated, “Tom is visiting a specialist, and we will have more information by Saturday.’There is no fresh information on that; we expected to speak to the press about it after the Charlton game because we needed the specialist to see the scan.It is more important to know where the tear is. The tear isn’t too awful; what matters is where it is and what difficulties it causes.
9. Tino Anjorin – out
Suffered a hamstring injury against Chesterfield at the start of November. Nearing a return to action.
10. Joe Morrell – out
Out for the remainder of the season with a knee problem.
11. Regan Poole – out
The Pompey defender is out for the rest of the 2023-24 season after suffering a hamstring injury in the Blues’ FA Cup first-round defeat at the hands of Chesterfield.
12. Josh Dockeril – out
Out for the 2023/24 campaign after suffering an ACL injury in pre-season. Photo: Jason Brown
17. Kayne Ramsay – out
Out for the ‘foreseeable’ with a hamstring injury that will keep him sidelined for three to four games.
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