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.
17. Joe Pigott - substitute 5
The on-loan Ipswich striker is a natural replacement for Colby Bishop if things aren't working out for the Blues' top-scorer. Can also provide something different. Photo: Jason Brown
18. Ronan Curtis - substitute 6
Much has been made about Curtis' situation every since John Mousinho arrived at Fratton Park. Largely on the fringes under Danny Cowley earlier this season, the Irishman showed what he can do when handed a start against Fleetwood. Injury prevented him from playing against Posh, but you sense the new head coach wants to get Curtis firing again and being a real nuisance for opposition defences. Will have to do that, though, as the main back-up to Paddy Lane. Photo: Craig Galloway
19. Reeco Hackett - substitute 7
Perhaps a surprise inclusion on the bench given the likes of Dane Scarlett, Michael Jacobs and Denver Hume remain available. But, on his day, Hackett can create problems, be creative and provide energy and pace. Pompey are keen to see those qualities on a more consistent basis, hence their reluctance to part ways with the player in January. The trouble is, will they ever be able to unlock that full potential? Photo: Paul Thompson
20. Clark Robertson - misses out
Overlooking Robertson might come as a surprise to some but Pompey need to look to the future. And do the Blues look better with Ryley Towler and Sean Raggett at the back? Probably. Has served Pompey well when fit - but keeping him fit seems to be the problem. And that counts against him, unfortunately. Photo: Jason Brown