Portsmouth boss pinpoints potential Conor Shaughnessy return date as wait goes on
The Irishman has featured 85 times for the Blues, scoring eight goals, since his June 2023 arrival
Conor Shaughnessy’s return is being pinpointed for after the next international break.
And that potentially could put the injury-hampered centre-half in the frame for the November 21 trip to Bolton.
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Regan Poole and Madiodio Dia’s central-defensive partnership is beginning to flourish, making light of the lack of availability in that position at that present.
Regardless, John Mousinho is adamant the Blues’ plan has long been not to rush Shaughnessy’s latest proposed comeback, in a bid to prevent another recurrence.
The Irishman has been sidelined since injuring his groin in the second half against Blackburn on September 19, although subsequently Pompey insisted it wasn’t as bad as first feared as even talked of him facing Southampton.
Nonetheless, if he does return in time for the visit to the Toughsheet Community Stadium, his absence will have lasted two months.
‘He’s not in his boots yet, but he’s out on the grass’
Mousinho told The News: ‘Shaughs isn't too bad, he’s out on the grass. He’s not in his boots yet, but he’s out on the grass.
‘My instinct with Shaughs is we’re probably going to give him the post-Stoke to come back. Then we have the two weeks after coming back into the international break to make sure he fully recovers.
‘We wouldn’t rush him back anyway, we don’t do it with many players. The only one we’ve done it this season is probably Wadds, who we put on the bench at Wolves maybe a game too soon because we needed it with Colby being out.
‘We won’t take the risk with Shaughs regardless of what the situation is. If we need a centre-half, we will just have to make do with somebody else.’
Centre-half absences
There is presently no available cover for Dia or Poole, with Benjy Arthur also missing - and potentially is not returning until the New Year after fracturing his back.
Meanwhile, Hayden Matthews (Bradford) and Josh Knight (Reading) are on season-long loans away from Fratton Park, although those arrangements can be revisited in the January transfer window.
The versatile Connor Ogilvie also continues to be sidelined after undergoing two knee operations since the start of July, with no date in mind for his return.
Still, since being partnered together at Southampton earlier this month, the Poole/Dia double act continues to go from strength to strength, with Wolves representing a fourth match starting alongside each other.
Poole’s recent performances have also been hailed by the head coach, who believes the 28-year-old is now back to his best after a disappointing start to the campaign.
Meanwhile, Shaughnessy has made seven appearances so far this season, while scored in the 2-0 win over Cardiff in September.