They no doubt played a key factor in Danny Cowley’s sacking at the start of January, with the former Blues boss unable to call upon some of his better players on a consistent basis.
And they’re still impacting the Blues now under John Mousinho’s leadership.
That made the business concluded on transfer deadline day so important, with Paddy Lane strengthening a left-wing position devoid of both Ronan Curtis and Michael Jacobs on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Di’Shon Bernard’s arrival shores up a central-defensive department that is currently without the injured Clark Robertson and Michael Morrison, who completed a move back to Cambridge in January.
Coupled with the earlier arrivals of goalkeeper Matt Macey and defender Ryley Towler, there’s the potential for Pompey to have a very different look about them over the second half of the season.
A look that could also be transformed when the Blues’ walking wounded – including long-term absentees Joe Rafferty and Tom Lowery – return to the fray.
That guarantees a totally different headache for Mousinho, who will have some tough decisions to make, not just to his starting XI but also his match-day squad.
So who can we expect to be involved and who runs the risk of being left sitting in the stands?
We take a look at what potentially lies ahead, IF the Blues ever report a clean bill of health and Mousinho sticks with a 4-3-3 formation.
5. Ryley Towler - centre-back 2
The former Bristol City and AFC Wimbledon has made an instant impression since his January move. That makes him likely to make the starting XI - even when Clark Robertson returns and despite the presence of Di'Shon Bernard. He can't afford to take anything for granted, though, with those two breathing down his neck and Sean Raggett also capable of playing on the left-side of a central two. Photo: Jason Brown
6. Connor Ogilvie - left-back 1
Ogilvie gets the nod at left-back simply because he's the best player to play in that position. His case is also helped by Denver Hume's struggles to raise his game to the levels we all know he can reach following his long-term injury. Photo: Jason Brown
7. Marlon Pack - central midfield 1
Is the lynchpin of the team. If he's having an off day, then you can expect the rest of the team to be off their game. Photo: Jason Brown
8. Joe Morrell - central midfield 2
Morrell has been Pompey's best player in recent weeks without a shadow of doubt. A fact reinforced during Pompey's display at Peterborough on Saturday. Should be the first name on the team sheet on current form. Photo: Jason Brown