The second international break of the season is well underway and preparations are continuing for Pompey’s return to action.
The Blues make the trip to the King Power Stadium to face Leicester City on Saturday afternoon at the unusual time of 7.45pm.
After being Middlesbrough 1-0 ahead of the two-week stoppage, John Mousinho’s men currently sit 14th in the table having claimed 12 points from nine games.
Meanwhile, Marti Cifuentes’ side have enjoyed a solid start to the season and are unbeaten in their last seven matches.
We’ve taken a look at the early team and injury news from both camps.
Your next Pompey read: Frank Lampard makes key decision over Coventry City future ahead of Portsmouth contest
5. Conor Shaughnessy - Out
Shaughnessy is expected to be out for a significant period after sustaining a hamstring issue against Sheffield Wednesday last month. The centre-back could be back involved in December after being given a 12-week timeframe before a possible return. | Graham Hunt/ProSportsImages
6. Thomas Waddingham - Out
The Aussie striker is another who will miss a large chunk of the season after picking up a quad injury in training prior to the Blues’ defeat to Sheffield Wednesday. Waddingham was also given a timeframe of 12 weeks before completing a comeback. | Steve Bailey/ProSportsImages
.jpeg?crop=4:3&trim=&width=800)
7. Harry Souttar - Out
Souttar is the only long-term absentee for Cifuentes as he continues to be absent due to a knee issue. The centre-back sustained an ACL injury in December 2024 and isn’t expected to return any time soon. | Getty Images
8. Josh Murphy - Doubt
There was hope Murphy could have featured against Middlesbrough before the international break. However, the Blues erred on the side of caution and there is hope that the stoppage will be enough time to recover from the ankle issue, which has kept him sidelined from the past four matches. John Mousinho is expected to provide an update over the winger later in the week ahead of the contest. | National World