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.
21. Jay Mingi - misses out
Leaving the youngster on the sidelines doesn't sit easy, especially as Mingi was able to hold his head up high during those runs of games without a win that cost Danny Cowley his job. Is a real talent and his energy and play on the front foot is everything Pompey want from their players. But his relative inexperience counts against him at the moment. Photo: Jason Brown
22. Michael Jacobs - misses out
We all know what Michael Jaconbs can do when he's fully fit. But just like Clark Robertson, half the battle is keeping him fit. You also can't help but wonder if his spells on the sidelines have impacted what he can now bring to the team? Hopefully, those doubts can be proved wrong, though, as most fans would love to see Jacobs in full flow again. Photo: Jason Brown
23. Ryan Tunnicliffe - misses out
Tunnicliffe has proven many of his doubters wrong after answering Pompey's midfield SOS this season. But when everyone is back fit, there does seem to be better options available on paper. Photo: Jason Brown
24. Denver Hume - misses out
The former Sunderland man could easily be on the bench given his capabilities and undoubted potential. However, we just don't see enough of it on a consistent basis. His case is not helped either by Paddy Lane's ability to play left midfield or even as a wing-back if needed. Photo: Jason Brown