Portsmouth boss pencils in return date for ex-Birmingham and Bolton man ahead of Championship survival fight

John Mousinho has pencilled in Keshi Anderson’s much-anticipated return date as their Championship run-in intensifies.

It’s been a frustrating start to life at Fratton Park for the 30-year-old, who sustained a hamstring injury less than three weeks into his south-coast stay.

The winger made the free-transfer switch to PO4 during the January window after having his contract cancelled by Birmingham City earlier in the market.

Despite playing a key role in Chris Davies’ League One title-winning side, Anderson’s game time in the Championship was limited and subsequently departed St Andrews with six months remaining on his terms.

But just weeks after penning an 18-month deal with Pompey, the former Blackpool and Bolton Wanderers man picked up the set-back in training and has kept him out of more than five weeks of action.

Prior to his injury blow at the beginning of February, the forward had impressed twice from the bench against Southampton and West Brom as he looked to kick-start his Fratton career.

Pompey boss pencils in ex-Birmingham man’s injury return

However, Anderson was ruled out for 6-8 weeks by Mousinho following the Blues’ defeat to Preston North End, with a return around the Easter weekend initially earmarked.

And, according to the head coach, the January arrival is on course to complete his return for the crucial trip to Norwich City on Good Friday (April 3).

When asked about Anderson’s potential comeback date by The News during Thursday’s press-conference, the Blues boss simply replied with: ‘Norwich away’.

That of course comes after the upcoming contests with Derby County and QPR next week before the international break, which begins after their visit to the capital on March 21.

Pompey’s Championship run-in amid injury concerns

From there, the trip to Carrow Road on April 3 kick-starts the all-important run-in with Pompey one of five sides currently battling to beat the drop.

Mousinho’s troops sit two points above the relegation zone at present, with the fight for survival intensifying after the international stoppage.

The Blues are, of course, also battling a number of injury concerns, with Anderson one of 11 absentees for Tuesday’s defeat to Swansea City.

Among those were Conor Shaughnessy and Regan Poole, who are both expected to return to the fold for Monday’s game against Derby, while Andre Dozzell could be back in the fold after the international break.

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