Pompey kick-off their 2026-27 Championship campaign with a home game against QPR on Saturday (3pm).
The fixture will be the first time the two teams have met after the Rs handed the Blues a 6-1 lesson at Loftus Road back in March.
Thankfully, the result didn’t have the impact on Pompey’s second-half status as many presumed, with John Mousinho’s side losing just one of their remaining eight games as they finished the season in 18th and eight points clear of the relegation zone.
Meanwhile, since then, the Fratton Park side have been busy in the transfer market, recruiting seven new players to date as they head into Saturday’s game against Julien Stéphan’s side.
Injuries, though, continue to be an issue for the Blues, with Thomas Waddingham adding to those concerns as he limped off against West Ham just moments after his second-half introduction.
An update on the extent of the injury the Aussie suffered at the London Stadium can be expected on Wednesday.
In the meantime, here’s the early injury news from both camps with the new Championship season just days away.
1. Thomas Waddingham - doubt
'It doesn't look good'. Those were John Mousinho's words immediately after witnessing Thomas Waddingham being forced off at the London Stadium last Saturday. An update on the striker can be expected on Wednesday when Mousinho holds his QPR press conference. Everyone will have their fingers cross the injury isn't as serious as initially thought. | Chris Foxwell
2. Josh Murphy - Out
The Pompey winger is still weeks away from returning to full training due to 'minor niggles' he's trying to overcome following an injury-plagued 2025-26 season. | Dennis Goodwin/ProSportsImages
3. Marlon Pack - Doubt
The Pompey skipper is ahead of schedule in his recovery from knee surgery and could be back to play some role against QPR. The midfielder has been spotted training with his Blues team-mates ahead of the season opener. | Getty Images
4. Tariq Lamptey - Out
The former Brighton and Fiorentina defender is yet to feature for QPR following his free transfer move in the summer. He's still working his way back from an ACL injury he suffered last September, but is closing in on a welcome return. | Getty Images