Portsmouth survival hero Rob Atkinson dealt major blow ahead of Fratton return with Bristol City
Rob Atkinson amassed 15 appearances during the second half of the 2024-25 campaign for Pompey.
Rob Atkinson has been ruled out of an emotional Fratton Park reunion with Bristol City this weekend.
Championship action is coming thick and fast for the Blues, who have already turned their attention to Saturday lunchtime’s contest against the Robins.
Gerhard Struber’s side currently sit a point outside the play-offs after falling to a 1-0 defeat to Wrexham on Wednesday.
City will, though, make the trip to PO4 without one key member of the Austrian’s squad, with Atkinson currently sidelined on what would’ve been his first return to the south coast following his outstanding loan stint last term.
The central defender amassed 15 appearances for John Mousinho’s men during the second half of the 2024-25 campaign, with the 27-year-old playing a key role in Pompey’s Championship survival.
Following his return to Ashton Gate in the summer, there was strong interest from the Blues to land the ex-Oxford United man on a permanent basis, but he instead opted to remain with the Robins - penning a new long-term deal in June.
Rob Atkinso suffers cruel injury blow ahead of Pompey reunion
Since then, Atkinson had enjoyed a positive start to the season, starting all 13 of Bristol City’s Championship matches before suffering a hamstring injury against Stoke City at the start of November.
And it’s a setback which is expected to keep the former Fratton out until Christmas, consequently ruling him out of Saturday's trip to the south coast.
Speaking to Bristol Live earlier in the month, Struber said: ‘We had a scan and the situation looks that he is out, I would say, until Christmas. He will not be available.
‘I think this is a time [which] is realistic that he will be back. He has a hamstring injury, and he has to do everything, right now, with the medical department [so] that he comes back soon.’
Rob Atkinson and his love for Pompey
Atkinson established himself as a firm favourite among the Fratton faithful during his short time at PO4, with Pompey targeting a permanent deal for the defender in the summer window.
Although a move never came to fruition, the Bristol City man was ‘proud’ to represent the Blues and guide the club to Championship survival.
After signing a new deal at Ashton Gate in July, Atkinson reflected on his time at Fratton and said: ‘Incredible. When I was deciding whether I wanted to go out on loan, I was so unsure about the whole idea of it. It was a big risk and Pompey were brilliant and decided to go with it.
‘I like to think that I returned the favour and I will always be grateful for that magnificent club for offering me that opportunity.
‘I will always be proud that I played for the club but I’m happy to be back and starting that relationship up with the fans here.’