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.
9. Tom Lowery - central midfield 3
To be fair, we're all now living off distant memories when it comes to assessing Tom Lowery's attributes - and we all know how distorted memories can become over time! Nevertheless, he's a player who plays off the front foot, likes a forward pass, is creative and has bags of energy. That fits the mould as far as Pompey are concerned, with his creativity something the Blues have sadly lacked this season. But when everyone is healthy and available, you can guarantee there'll be others banging on the door and ready to capitalise if Lowery doesn't hit the ground running. Photo: Jason Brown
10. Owen Dale - right-wing
Is correctly Pompey's first-choice on the right-wing. However, with just one goal and five assists to his name this season, it's a shame the Blues couldn't have added some competition in that area before the January window closed. Is a very good player. He just needs to improve his numbers. Photo: Jason Brown
11. Colby Bishop - centre-forward
The Blues' 15-goal top-scorer this team. That says it all! Will be first pick to fill the central striker role in John Mousinho's preferred 4-3-3 formation. Joe Pigott is back in favour at Fratton Park and being used more often, but it will take some effort to dislodge Bishop. Photo: Jason Brown
12. Paddy Lane - left-wing
The final piece of the jigsaw as far as Pompey's January transfer window business is concerned - and probably the most impressive. Is a big talent who could end up making the Blues a lot of money in the future. But it's the here and now that's the most important and Lane will go straight into the team in the hope that he can get the Blues among the goals on a consistent basis. Was named the League One Young Player of the Year last season, so can clearly cut it and impress at this level - and improve Pompey. Photo: Portsmouth FC