'Rotten luck': Portsmouth skipper reeling after brutal injury update hits Blues relegation hopes
The winger has featured just 14 times in 2024-25 after several injury set-backs
Marlon Pack cursed Pompey’s ‘rotten luck’ after Josh Murphy was ruled out for the season.
But he is convinced attacking alternatives Millenic Alli, Harvey Blair and Gustavo Caballero can help cushion the devastating blow.
Murphy will not play again for the Blues this term after fracturing the little toe on his right foot against Swansea in December.
Having initially received pain-killing injections for two more matches, the problem eventually forced him out just before Christmas - and now a specialist has told the 31-year-old his season is over.
It’s a devastating set-back for the Blues, with Murphy having featured just 14 times this season due to several injuries.
And Pompey’s skipper reflected on the loss of the talented left winger and reigning The News/Sports Mail Player of the Season.
Pack told The News: ‘We’ve had a lot of injuries this year where they've come from impact in games and contact, which is part and parcel of football.
‘We also feel sorry for ourselves because it’s our football club, but it seems to really hurt us and we seem to have a bit of rotten luck in that season.
‘Losing Josh is a tough one to take for the group and, in all fairness to him, he did try to play throughout the season with it. That shows his character and what this football club means to him.
‘There's no denying that it’s a big loss, his numbers last year were massive for us and he has six assists for us this season. You put Josh Murphy into a team which is performing how it is and we will become an even better side.
‘In the end, the bigger picture is we need a fully fit and healthy Josh Murphy. Obviously we would like for it to be this season, but it’s not going to be so everyone else has to continue to step up.
‘All credit, Milli has come in and been outstanding, Harvey had a really good impact against Wrexham and showed really good moments today, Gustavo’s had his moments too.
‘So everyone else has to step up now and fill the void of Murphy for the rest of the season.’
Pompey lost 1-0 against Hull this afternoon through Matt Crooks’ 73rd-minute winner.
The Tigers substitute capitalised after a dreadful mistake by Adrian Segecic - with only their second shot on goal.
Now Pack is urging his team-mates to shrug off the disappointing loss of Murphy and continue the relegation fight in his absence.
He added: ‘As a club, the whole time since I have been here we've got on with things, we’ll just get on with it, it is what it is, it’s back against the wall, that’s the underdog mentality.
‘As a group, I am sure we will finish the season strongly where it doesn’t become so anxious and nervous come those last games.’