Portsmouth boss John Mousinho provides crucial injury update over duo ahead of Derby County showdown
Pompey welcome play-off chasing Derby County to Fratton Park on Monday evening.
John Mousinho has admitted Regan Poole is yet to make a return to training after sustaining an ankle injury against Blackburn Rovers last Saturday.
But the Blues boss has allayed any serious fears and is adamant both him and centre-back partner Conor Shaughnessy will be fit to face Derby County on Monday.
The popular Welshman missed Tuesday’s defeat to Swansea City after picking up the set-back at Ewood Park over the weekend.
Poole was withdrawn just after the hour mark following a collision in his own box and was subsequently replaced by the returning Irishman.
Pompey boss provides key Regan Poole injury update
The centre-back, who has been an ever-present figure in Mousinho’s backline this term, was initially rated 50/50 by the head coach before Tuesday’s defeat but failed a late fitness test on the morning of the game.
This saw January arrival Madiodio Dia partner Connor Ogilvie in the heart of defence to mark his full Blues debut, while Ibane Bowat and Hayden Matthews were instead named on the bench.
Although Poole is yet to return to training, Mousinho is confident the League One title winner will be available for the televised clash against the Rams on Monday.
The head coach told The News in his pre-match press conference: ‘Regan will be available for Monday.
‘He gave it a go (the fitness test) but in hindsight it didn’t look like it was likely. No not yet (returned to training).’
Defender to return to fold against Derby County
A surprise absentee from the 20-man squad was Shaughnessy, who had only completed his much-anticipated return from the sidelines in Saturday’s draw with Blackburn.
The 29-year-old sustained a quad issue against Sheffield Wednesday which subsequently kept him out of action for nine matches, before replacing Poole for the final 23 minutes in Lancashire.
His absence for Tuesday’s defeat prompted fears of a fresh injury blow for the classy defender, who has featured just 11 times in all competitions this term.
The head coach, though, has given the green light for the Irishman to return to the fold at Fratton on Monday.
The Blues boss added: ‘Same (as Regan Poole), available for Monday.’
Pompey with 11 players against Swansea
Mousinho was without 11 members of his squad for the defeat to Swansea last-time out, which leaves them just two points above the relegation zone.
With the season’s climax now clearly on the horizon and survival fight intensifying, the head coach doesn’t expect any returning faces - other than Poole and Shaughnessy - to complete their returns on Monday.
‘I don’t think there will be any before Monday and no change from Tuesday night.’