Since then a much-changed Blues side booked their place in the last eight of the Papa John’s Trophy with a 3-0 win against Stevenage at Fratton Park on Tuesday night.
However, did those fringe players who stepped in do enough to convince Danny Cowley that they deserve the chance to start in League One?
Here’s our answer to that question, with our decision also taking into account Zak Swanson’s chances of playing against the managerless Dons.
The right-back returned to training on the grass on Thursday, but will it be enough to have him return to the Pompey starting XI and Cowley revert back to a 4-4-2 formation?
9. Reeco Hackett - attacking midfielder
Hackett was played well in recent games when called upon. Pompey need a creative force who can play through the middle when operating with three at the back. Hackett can be that man, although will be conscious of Michael Jacobs' return from injury. Photo: Simon Davies
10. Dane Scarlett - centre-forward 1
Danny Cowley said he wanted to add more pace and power to his forward line when asked about his January plans this week. Well, Scarlett has that in abundance and should once again be called upon despite Joe Pigott's goal against Stevenage on Tuesday night. Photo: Jason Brown
11. Colby Bishop - centre-forward 2
Joe Pigott staked his claim for a starting role against MK Dons with a much-needed goal against Stevenage in midweek. However, Danny Cowley is only ever going to use one of Bishop and Pigott in his starting line-up. And with 13 goals to his name so far this season, Bishop gets the nod. Photo: Jason Brown