After another high turnover of players in the summer, the last thing Pompey will want in January is a similarly busy transfer window.
But with the Blues once again finding themselves looking over their shoulders at the threat of Championship relegation, they might not have have any other choice!
The return of Pompey’s current walking wounded in the weeks ahead might take the temperature down on the need for sweeping changes. Indeed, 10 players sat out Saturday’s defeat at Hull through either injury or illness.
But their much-needed returns won’t stop head coach John Mousinho and the club’s recruitment team heading into January wanting new additions to bolster the Blues’s chances of remaining a Championship side.
To do this, though, Pompey will likely need to say goodbye to some of those currently in their first-team ranks who they believe aren’t able to cut it at this moment in time in the second tier.
Harsh, I know, but such departures would also provide an opportunity to free up extra cash, which is always helpful when clubs are faced with inflated prices in the new year.
But who, realistically, could find themselves heading through the Fratton Park exit door come January?
We’ve had a look through the current Pompey ranks and identified 8 players who could be deemed surplus to requirements over the second half of the season.
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5. Jacob Farrell
The Aussie defender's 18 months at Fratton Park have unfortunately been blighted by injury. Since his arrival from Central Coast Mariners in July 2024, the left-back has featured just twice for Pompey - although the 22-year-old made an unexpected appearance on the bench for the New Year's Day hammering at the hands of Bristol City. That will be welcome news for the injury-hit Blues - but will it be enough to keep him at the club beyond this month? Pompey will go shopping for a left-back in January, with Connor Ogilvie still out. If they're successful. Farrell could be allowed to leave to pick up some much-needed game time elsewhere and create space in their 25-man squad list.. Alternatively, the Blues cut their losses altogether and try to get some money back on their 2024 investment. | Paul Phelan/ProSportsImages
6. Conor Chaplin
There's no denying, the 28-year-old continues to struggle for form and is just not performing to the levels we all thought he would. In his 20 loan appearances to date, the Chappers has contributed just one assist and is yet to find the back of the net. The attacking midfielder found himself back on the bench for the New Year's Day trip to Bristol City, despite not being eligible for Sunday's home game against parent club Ipswich. John Mousinho has previously stated he wants to keep Chaplin beyond January. But Tractor Boys boss Kieran McKenna admitted he'll reviews the situation following tomorrow's game at Fratton Park. | Dennis Goodwin/ProSportsImages
7. John Swift
Like Chaplin, the experienced Swift's signing has failed to live up to expectations - so much so that he's found himself a target of some of the Fratton Park boo boys who have grown increasingly frustrated with the former West Brom and Reading midfielder, who will be one of Pompey's higher earners. Swift has found himself down the pecking order in recent weeks and was an unused substitute for three straight games before his Bristol City recall. He did himself no favours, though, at Ashton Gate as he recorded a 3/10 display, according to The News' player ratings. | Iconic Media
8. Ben Killip -
It's not inconceivable to see the former Barnsley shot-stopper moving on in January, especially with No1 Nicolas Schmid back after injury and Josef Bursik proving he's a more than capable deputy to call upon. Pompey might be reluctant, though, given their preference to have four keepers in an around the training ground and the Blues unlikely to recall Toby Steward from his loan at St Johnstone. | Dennis Goodwin/ProSportsImages