Pompey welcome Reading to Fratton Park on Saturday, with injury issues once again being one of the main topics of conversation in the build up to the game.
The Blues went into Tuesday night's fixture against Cambridge United with eight senior players ruled out of action. They ended the night with nine players now on the injured list, after Tom Lowery pulled up in the first half with a hamstring injury.
We await further news on Lowery's fitness. However, it's safe to say that the midfielder looks set for another period on the sidelines - handing Pompey head coach John Mousinho with another unwelcomed selection headache.
January signing Owen Moxon deputised for Lowery following his withdrawal and is an option. He did okay against the U's, but it was evident that he needs to learn the role Mousinho is specifically asking of him. As a result, does the boss trust his newest recruit enough to throw him into the starting XI against Reading? Or would it be best to seek solutions elsewhere among the Blues' now stretched ranks? Conor Shaughnessy and Myles Peart-Harris, we're told, can operate as holding midfielders when required to, as can Conor Ogilvie.
Another area that's sure to be of particular attention is who starts up front against the Royals? Kusini Yengi was a surprise choice to start the game against Cambridge, leaving top-scorer Colby Bishop on the bench. But will Mousinho be brave enough to do it again? Just how big of a risk is it to Pompey's play-off chances to suddenly drop your most reliable source of goals over the past two seasons for a second successive game? Only Mousinho knows!
In the meantime, here's how we think the Blues will line up as they go in search of a fourth League One win in a row - and their sixth in seven third-tier games.
5. Centre-back 2 - Conor Shaughnessy
John Mousinho might be tempted to play the ever-reliable centre-back in midfield given the injury to Tom Lowery. However, you suspect he won't want tamper with a central defensive unit that has served him so well for a huge chunk of the season now. The Irishman is a serious player of the season contender. | National World
6. Left-back - Connor Ogilvie
John Mousinho will be keen to avoid a Tom Lowery repeat with Connor Ogilvie, given his injury woes this season. But the former Gills man is robust and should be given the nod to start ahead of Jack Sparkes. | National World
7. Central midfield 1 - Marlon Pack
Pompey would probably love to wrap their skipper up in cotton wool to prevent him from suffering the same injury fates as his midfield colleagues. They need him more than ever now, though! | National World
8. Central midfield 2 - Myles Peart-Harris
Tom Lowery's injury has handed John Mousinho another selection headache. Owen Moxon filled in whenever Lowery was withdrawn in the first half against the U's. He did okay but it's clearly a Pompey specific role he needs time to adjust to. Peart-Harris can play there and might must get the nod over the former Carlisle man. | National World