Huge Portsmouth favourite pens emotional message after season-ending blow - as exciting promise made
Josh Murphy has been limited to just 14 appearances for Pompey this season.
An emotional Josh Murphy has expressed his disappointment after his season was curtailed due to injury.
The winger suffered a broken little toe on his right foot during December’s defeat to Swansea City and was already receiving injections to get through games while also nursing hip and ankle problems.
But a hamstring injury sustained against Derby County required Murphy to finally sit out, with the Pride Park outing now representing his final action of the season.
It has been a hugely frustrating campaign for the 2024-25 Player of the Season, who has been limited to just 14 outings.
The winger missed the season’s opener against Oxford United in August with a minor hamstring issue, before a spell of more than a month on the sidelines because of an ankle problem.
After completing his return in late October, Murphy went on to register a further 10 appearances for Mousinho’s men, before his withdrawal against the Rams in mid-December.
Pompey favourite pens emotional message after season-ending blow
But the metatarsal injury will now force the ex-Norwich City and Cardiff City man to sit out Pompey’s final 11 matches of the campaign as they vie to maintain their Championship status.
And Murphy took to social media to share his initial disappointment at the news before promising he’ll be ‘working like an animal’ to prepare for next term.
In an emotional post on Instagram, he wrote: ‘Not something I wanted to be writing but I am gutted to be out for the rest of the season.
‘My foot was injured against Swansea & it’s taking longer to heal than expected. I love this club & was doing everything I can to get back but unfortunately it just needs to heal.
‘The boys have been outstanding recently and a real joy to watch! I will continue to be the boys biggest cheerleader whilst working like an animal in preparation for next season.’
Josh Murphy’s Pompey career to date
Murphy arrived in June 2024 on a free transfer from Oxford United, representing a crucial piece of business following the Blues’ Championship return.
It was a maiden campaign at Fratton Park to remember for the dangerous winger, who amassed seven goals and provided 14 assists as Pompey earned a 16th-placed finish.
This saw the winger claim the The News/Sports Mail Player of the Season accolade, but was unfortunate to miss out on a spot in the Championship Team of the Season.
Despite his injury concerns this term, Murphy registered six assists in his 14 outings prior to his set-back and also penned a new long-term deal until 2028 in October.