Pompey wouldn’t have wanted the two week break to come round so quickly after they ended a dismal winless run with victory over Sunderland.
Prior to washing the Black Cats away in torrential rain, Danny Cowley’s side endured a horrific eight game streak which included defeats to Cambridge and Burton.
Despite such a run, a few players still performed consistently while others struggled to produce their best.
Click through to see the average ratings of the Blues squad so far this season.
5. 11 - Connor Ogilvie 6.6
Prior to his relatively long injury lay-off, Ogilvie looked a smart acquisition by Pompey. He impressed throughout the opening weeks of the campaign and should be back in contention after the international break. Photo: JPIMedia
6. 10 - Marcus Harness 6.7
Marcus Harness has flourished in recent weeks due to a positional change. In recent weeks he's been operating behind two strikers and scored in the draw with Charlton and the victory over Sunderland. Photo: The News
7. 9 - Lee Brown 6.7
Lee Brown has unearthed his shooting boots this season. After bagging against the Black Cats, he is currently the Blues joint top goal scorer with three. Brown has been one of the most reliable players for Cowley this term and has operated well as a wing-back across the past four games. Photo: The News
8. 8 - Ryan Tunnicliffe 6.8
Tunnicliffe made a sizeable impression early in his Pompey career after arriving in the summer. Since then he's had to play in a number of roles in midfield but looked slightly out of place as an attacking midfielder. After returning to familiar surroundings in the heart of midfield, he looks far more accomplished. Photo: The News