A combination of injuries and suspensions has increased the Blues’ defensive woes this season, which was reflected in their latest victory against Gillingham.
The former Lincoln boss had no senior centre-halves fit for selection and named a backline filled with makeshift options at Priestfield.
However, those who wore royal blue performed remarkably and kept a clean sheet in the 1-0 victory over Steve Evans side.
But this is unlikely to stop the Fratton club from entering the market next month, with reinforcements certainly needed.
Click through the list of players throughout the EFL and Non-League who could arrive on the south coast in 32 days time.
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13. Grant Hall (30 y/o) - Middlesbrough
The experienced centre-half has been omitted from nine out of the last 10 Boro squads, and could be available this winter. The former QPR man has forged a strong career in the Championship while last playing in League One in 2013-14 with Swindon. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) Photo: Shaun Botterill
14. Scott Wharton (24 y/o) - Blackburn
Since his move from Northampton to Blackburn in 2020, Wharton has only made 11 Championship appearances across the two seasons that followed. The defender played the entirety of his former employers play-off final victory over Exeter in June 2020. (Photo by Pete Norton/Getty Images) Photo: Pete Norton