Portsmouth boss responds to Josh Murphy injury comeback rumours amid winger fitness boost
The latest this afternoon on rumours of a shock return for Josh Murphy from injury this season.
John Mousinho doesn’t expect Josh Murphy to play again this season - despite his return to training.
The Pompey boss stated he doesn’t feel it’s ‘realistic’ for Murphy to make a comeback this term, amid rumours he’s set to aid his side’s bid for Championship survival.
Mousinho confirmed the winger is now back training outside, as he builds his rehabilitation from a fractured metatarsal in his foot.
Murphy has been sidelined since December, with it confirmed last month that he would not play again this season.
The issue came on top of a number of different problems for the reigning player of the season, with the 31-year-old needing to play with the aid of injections to get through games.
When asked if Murphy will play again this season, Mousinho told The News today: ‘Not to my mind.
‘Josh has just gone back out on the grass now, but has been out since December.
‘It’s very soon that he would’ve been out for four months, so I don’t think that it’s realistic.
‘Of course I’d understand supporters being excited (about Murphy returning), I just don’t think it’s realistic.
‘Yes, there’s the immediacy of where we are and the relegation battle we’re facing.
‘If, for whatever reason, players are back we would play them and if not we will have to do the right thing for the player and best thing for the club.
‘There’s always that temptation (to rush a player back), but if they’re fit they’re fit and if they’re not there’s nothing we can do.
‘We can try to wheel players out as much as we want, but if they’re not ready they’re not ready.’
Elsewhere, Pompey are still unsure of the situation with Zak Swanson, as he deals with a knee cartilage issue.
Ebou Adams remains sidelined and it’s out for the next two games, but Thomas Waddingham is set to make a return to the fray after being out since August with a quad issue.