The free agents Portsmouth could move for after injuries to midfield pair - including ex-Arsenal, Sunderland, Ipswich, Rangers and Leeds figures

Pompey may be forced into the free-agent market after Shaun Williams’ injury against Charlton exposed a lack of midfield options in that key area of the pitch.

The Blues were already keen to add to their engine-room ranks prior to the transfer window closing, with moves for Rotherham’s Jamie Lindsay and Middlesbrough’s Lewis Wing explored before coming to nothing.

However, that need for extra cover was exacerbated on Monday night when Shaun Williams was taken to hospital after a collision with Clark Robertson.

Meanwhile, Ryan Tunnicliffe remains in the treatment room.

There are a number of familiar faces the Blues could move for to end their midfield problems, however,

At present, Danny Cowley has only Joe Morrell and Louis Thompson to choose from for central midfield.

And despite the Fratton chief’s previous reluctance to move for those type of out-of-contract players – his hands might be forced.

A message from the Editor, Mark WaldronYou can support our local team of expert Pompey writers by subscribing here for all the latest news from Fratton Park for 9p a day, thanks to our 30%-off transfer window deal.