3 glaring Portsmouth transfer issues exposed by QPR that need addressing ASAP
Pompey suffered a 3-1 defeat to QPR on the opening day of the campaign on Saturday.
It was a disappointing start to the new campaign at Fratton Park as Pompey suffered a frustrating 3-1 defeat to QPR on Saturday.
It was, however, a positive start to proceedings by John Mousinho’s men, who went ahead after 15 minutes through a spectacular 25-yard strike from Terry Devlin.
Despite the Blues taking an early lead, Julian Stephan’s side responded in emphatic style, with an Ilias Chair double separated by a Koki Saito goal on the stroke of half time.
Pompey were unable to respond in the second half, with the Hoops holding firm to secure the maximum points.
Seven of their nine summer arrivals featured in Saturday’s curtain raiser, including starts for Luke Brooke-Smith and big-money arrivals Rocco Shien, Abu Kamara, while Odin Bailey, Marko Milovanovic, Ryan Kavuma-McQueen and Benjy Arthur all appearing from the bench.
And the Blues boss is hopeful of one further signing before this weekend’s trip to Lincoln City, but did stress nothing was imminent.
Despite their activity in the window, there were still plenty of glaring issues which were exposed by QPR that still need to be addressed ahead of the September 1 deadline.
We’ve gone through the squad and highlighted three areas which still need some surgery before the September 1 deadline.
Left-back
Left-back has been an area of concern throughout pre-season due to injuries to Connor Ogilvie and Jacob Farrell.
Ogilvie underwent knee surgery in July to rectify an ongoing issue and was expected sit out the start of the season, although there was hope the 30-year-old would return by the end of August.
However, Mousinho has since revealed the long-serving defender is yet to return to training, with no timescale set for his comeback yet.
Meanwhile, Farrell’s injury-hit two-year stay at Fratton Park continues, having sustained a setback in his recovery from a problematic groin issue.
The duo’s respective absences has subsequently seen Zak Swanson answer Mousinho’s SOS at left-back once again, starting against West Ham and QPR.
In fact, centre-back Benjy Arthur was required to slot in as left-sided centre-half late in the defeat against the Hoops, while Odin Bailey and first-year professional Nathaniel Chioma both featured at left-back in pre-season.
Considering the lengthening wait for Ogilvie’s return, Pompey will no doubt be in the market for a new left-back in the final weeks of the window.
Centre midfielder
Pompey’s defensive frailties were exposed against QPR, with Ebou Adams and Rocco Shein struggling in the engine room.
Shein, recruited for £2.1m from Fredrikstad earlier this summer, is seen as a box-to-box number eight, similarly with Adams, who is also viewed as a more attacking option by Mousinho.
The Blues started without a natural number six option against the Hoops, with out-of-favour Luke Le Roux an unused substitute and Marlon Pack continuing his return from knee surgery.
Pompey are now looking elsewhere in their search for a defensive midfielder, which is seen as a priority in the final weeks of the window.
Versatile attacker
Mousinho admitted Pompey may have to venture back into the market for a new attacking option ahead of the window’s climax.
That was after news of a serious injury setback to Thomas Waddingham, who is now expected to remain sidelined for at least 6-10 weeks after sustaining an ankle issue against West Ham earlier this month.
This leaves Colby Bishop and €6m signing Marko Milovanovic as the Blues’ sole centre-forward options at present, with the head coach hinting at the possibility of a new addition to his arsenal.
Mousinho admitted he would be looking at recruiting a versatile attacker who can operate across the front-line.
Burton Albion forward Tyrese Shade, whose preferred position is as a No9 but can also play out wide, has recently been linked with a move to Fratton Park as Championship interest grows
While the forward department is not viewed as a priority just yet by Mousinho, a new flexible attacker could become a live option as the transfer window nears its end - especially if Waddingham was to undergo surgery.