Key Marko Milovanović injury update as Portsmouth weigh up striker's return for Blackburn Rovers
Pompey are weighing up fast-tracking Marko Milovanović’s comeback for Blackburn Rovers.
Blues boss John Mousinho has rated his star striker as ‘50-50’ to be back for the return to Fratton Park this weekend, ahead of the Championship pausing for the international break.
Mousinho was dealt a significant blow over the big-money arrival from UD Almeria, after he suffered a calf injury in the 2-0 victory over Cardiff City earlier this month.
Mousinho on Milovanović Blackburn return: ‘We’ve got to balance it up’
Mousinho indicated the man known as Marezi would miss this weekend’s match at PO4, with a likely comeback in the south-coast derby against Southampton on October 11.
He’s now suggested a runout against Tony Mowbray is not out of the question, though Pompey have to balance up that risk against a long-term lay-off for the 23-year-old.
A return for Milovanović would clearly be a significant boost for the Blues with Colby Bishop labouring in front of goal.
An alternative would be to deploy Tyrese Shade in the No9 position, though the £2.2m capture from Burton Albion has been effective down the left flank in his two Pompey appearances to date.
Milovanović has yet to train this week, with an assessment required and a final decision made over his availability on Friday.
When asked about the latest fitness situation over Milovanović, Mousinho said: ‘Marko is 50-50.
‘He hasn’t trained this week, so we’re going to take a decision on Friday.
‘We’ve got to balance it up. We have the three-week break after that building up tp the derby.
‘So there’s the short-term risk, but we do that and he gets injured it’s a kick in the teeth - so we’re not sure yet.’