Portsmouth issue Marko Milovanovic injury update in race to face Southampton
The Serbian striker has scored twice in six appearances since joining the Blues in July
Marko Milovanovic is ‘touch-and-go’ for the south-coast derby, according to Rich Hughes.
The Blues’ joint-leading scorer missed their final two matches before the international break with a calf injury.
Although regarded as a minor issue, John Mousinho was hoping to get the Serbian striker back to fitness during the three-week pause to the Championship season.
However, Pompey’s sporting director believes Milovanovic, who has two Championship goals this season, remains a doubt for the October 11 trip to Southampton.
That would see Colby Bishop challenging Tyrese Shade to lead the line at St Mary’s, having ended his goal-scoring drought against Blackburn in the previous fixture.
‘I don’t know, it will be touch and go’
Hughes told The News: ‘Whether we see Marko for Southampton. I don’t know, it will be touch and go, but he has adapted really well.
‘It wasn’t a significant injury, so we’re hopeful he will be back before too much longer. He’s not quite back out on the grass yet, but hopefully not too much longer.
‘Marko had done well in the games and we’re looking forward to seeing him back out there and seeing him getting going. Hopefully we’ll see him in the not too distant future after Southampton.
‘There has been a big integration period with Marko, but we’re looking forward to getting him back out there when we can.’
No timeframe on New Zealand winger’s return
According to Hughes, Shaughnessy will also miss the south-coast derby through the groin issue sustained in the second half against Blackburn.
Also absent will be Josh Murphy, Thomas Waddingham, Franco Umeh and Connor Ogilvie, while wantaway Harvey Blair isn’t being considered and hasn’t been registered in the Blues’ Football League squad.
Meanwhile, Luke Brooke-Smith has undergone an operation for the ankle dislocation and leg fracture sustained in training last month, although Hughes isn’t putting a timeframe on the winger’s return.
He added: ‘Luke’s surgery went really well, he’s got a really nice attitude towards taking everything on. He’s in a good spot with everything.
‘I wouldn’t like to comment on how long he’s going to be out for, we’re not entirely sure. I know the surgery went well, but obviously it’s a long process, there might be slight deviations from the plan.
‘I know from speaking to the guys and the medical team, they are happy with the way everything is going at the minute.
‘Playing again this season would be the hope, but obviously I don’t want to put too much pressure on Luke, he needs to make sure he’s right and can get him back to that good spot where he is competing again.’
Your Next Pompey Read: Portsmouth chief's welcome reassurance over Brentford starlet's Fratton Park future