Portsmouth injury boost with key figure set for return at critical moment in Championship survival fight
The former Ipswich Town, Birmingham City and QPR has been a key Pompey figure this season, before injury struck. John Mousinho provides the latest on Andre Dozzell’s return and contract talks.
Andre Dozzell is on course to return and aid Pompey’s bid to remain in the Championship.
And John Mousinho has confirmed talks are continuing to keep the key figure at Fratton Park beyond the end of the season.
Dozzell set to boost Pompey with Norwich City return
Dozzell has now been missing for seven games, after injuring his ankle in the home defeat against Sheffield United last month.
The 26-year-old has been in a protective boot to aid his recovery, after proving himself to be a central figure in John Mousinho’s starting XI.
Dozzell has started every league game he’s been available for, with a one-game suspension served at Swansea City last December his only league absence.
That underlines how he’s valued by Mousinho and the midfielder’s significance to his Pompey side, with his return on course for the Good Friday trip to Norwich City after the international break.
Mousinho said: ‘He’s still on track to return after the international break. There’s still a couple of weeks between now and then, but that’s what we’re hoping for - the Norwich game.
‘We’ve missed him. In his absence Marlon has deputised for Doz brilliantly well - I think he’s been excellent, Marlon.
‘But it’s just having that extra option in the middle of the park, whether Doz is playing as a six or an eight.
‘I think if we were playing Ebou (Adams) and Marlon (Pack) in games we’d still want Doz an option, whether that was with them, supplementing them or changing a few bits around. That’s useful when you’re on a heavy run of games or playing games back to back.
‘Doz has been one of our most consistent performers this season and has started every game he’s been available for - that’s for a good reason.’
Dozzell contract talks continuing as deals comes to close
Dozzell is one of seven Pompey players out of contract this summer, along with Marlon Pack, Zak Swanson, Connor Ogilvie, Toby Steward, Jordan Archer and Reuben Swann.
Mousinho has already made it clear he’s a wanted man moving forward, with the former Ipswich Town and QPR man seeing his stock steadily rise in his time at PO4.
Dozzell saw his initial one-year agreement extended by another 12 months, with discussions now continuing over seeing him remain at PO4 beyond the summer.
When asked if Dozzell is likely staying at Pompey, Mousinho added: ‘Hopefully. That’s a conversation we’re having at the moment, hopefully we can sort something out there.’