Andy Cannon hands Portsmouth injury blow - but Callum Johnson should be fit for Plymouth trip
Andy Cannon will be out for ‘weeks rather than days’ after limping out of Pompey’s 3-2 win at Ipswich with a groin injury.
But the dead leg that also forced Callum Johnson to be substituted just after half-time should see him fit to face Plymouth in the Blues’ next league game.
The full-back remains a doubt, though, for Tuesday night’s EFL Trophy game against West Ham under-21s at Fratton Park.
Manager Kenny Jackett was bold in his team selection for the FA Cup trip to Portman Road as he kept faith with the side that beat Lincoln 3-1 in midweek.
It wasn’t an approach replicated by the hosts, with opposite number Paul Lambert making nine changes to his starting XI.
In the end, Jackett’s decision was justified as the Blues booked their place in the second round of the competition.
However, it came at a cost, with both Cannon and Johnson picking up knocks in the process.
The latter’s dead leg will not cause too much concern.
But Cannon’s projected absence of weeks will prove a headache, with the midfielder – who came off on 23 minutes at Ipswich – finally getting his rhythm right in the heart of the Blues’ engine room.
He’s been a much-needed source of energy in Pompey’s midfield, while his smart link-up play set up Tom Naylor for visitors’ second goal at the Tractor Boys.
Jackett told The News at the final whistle: ‘Andy pulled his groin and it will be weeks rather than days.
‘For Callum, he had a dead leg.
‘I'd expect him to be able to recover, if not West Ham, then Plymouth a week on Monday.’
Both players will join Jack Whatmough, Lee Brown (both hamstring) and Michael Jacobs (knee) in the Fratton Park treatment room with the squad report back to training on Monday.
A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron
Thank you for reading this story. The News has launched a new subscription offer which gives you unlimited access to all of our Pompey coverage.
You can subscribe here to get the latest updates from Fratton Park, transfer news and expert analysis from our team of Pompey writers.
Every subscription helps us continue providing trusted, local journalism on your behalf for our city.