'No brainer. Don't need any more': Portsmouth faithful split on centre-back amid growing injury concerns
John Mousinho currently has Regan Poole and Madiodio Dia as his two fit central defenders at present.
The free agent market has been discussed by the Fratton faithful on social media this week.
The 20-year-old, who has impressed in the opening weeks of the new campaign since his summer arrival, is now facing a prolonged period on the sidelines and was absent for Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Blackburn Rovers.
During the Fratton Park stalemate, fellow central defender Conor Shaughnessy was withdrawn in the second half, with the head coach explaining the Irishman’s substitution was due to a groin issue.
This leaves Madiodio Dia and Regan Poole as the Blues’ sole central defensive options at the start of a three-week international break before facing Southampton on October 11.
As injuries mount at the heart of the backline, some supporters would be interested in delving into the free agent market to bolster Pompey’s options.
The Blues, of course, have three spaces available in their 25-man EFL squad, although Keshi Anderson, Josh Murphy and Connor Ogilvie are all expected to return next month.
Others members of the Fratton faithful would opt against recruiting a new centre-back in the three-week stoppage.
We put the question, Would you sign a free agent with Pompey’s defensive injury concerns, if so who? nd the replies are varied.
Here’s what supporters on Facebook said.
Split Pompey verdict on centre-back amid growing injury concerns
Iain Richardson: Webster seems like the obvious one but how long will it take to get him fit and up to speed?
Ali Lance: What’s the issue? Still got Dia and Poole fit to play there. Hopefully Conor Shaughnessy won’t be out for long. Pack has filled in there before. Connor Ogilvie should also be back soon and can also play there.
Only 3 places available in the 25 player squad which have already been pencilled in for Ogilvie, Murphy and Keshi (already back in training).
Not sure adding an out of contract player will be any better. If they were fit and actually any good then they would have already been signed up by somebody else.
Richard Pratt: Get Webster in no brainer.
Mark Rutter: No we don't need any more players make it work with the squad we got
Derek Usher: Some may say too old now - even for the Championship!!? But yes, if I was boss, I’d still have AW for his top experience alone!
Peter Loten: A free agent who won't be fit and would take 4 weeks to get up to speed if you're lucky.
Pete Davies: Ward or Webster!
Jason Yau: Go with what we have - any new free signing will probably need 2 months to get up to speed “as prob didn’t have pre season” and then they will break down on being introduced due to an injury.
We tried this in the past. Let’s just get the best out of the players we already have and are not injured
Joey Smith: Conor Coady is a free agent
Tony Cook: Adam Webster, absolute no brainer if a deal could be sorted.