Danny Cowley has seen his engine-room options diminish this month following Miguel Azeez’s return to parent club Arsenal following an unsuccessful loan spell.
And with Tunnicliffe now set for a further extended spell on the sidelines, plus the need to tread carefully with Louis Thompson, there appears a need to strengthen a department that looked well stock at the end of 2021.
That has already saw some Blues supporters demand a move for Ben Thompson.
But who else could Pompey move for if head coach Danny Cowley is given the go-ahead to add to the four new arrivals he’s already secured this month?
Click through the list of players who may be poised to leave in the remaining days of the January transfer window.
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5. Bradley Johnson - Blackburn Rovers
Has made only 12 appearances for Blackburn this season, while featuring for the under-23s on occasions. A deal may be hard to strike, though, with Rovers looking to gain promotion to the Premier League. Picture: Alex Pantling/Getty Images Photo: Alex Pantling
6. George Moncur - Hull
Moncur's time at Hull hasn't quite gone to plan since his summer transfer as he's made only 15 appearances this term. The signing of Regan Slater could open the door to a winter exit for the former Pompey target. Picture: Graham Chadwick/Getty Images Photo: Graham Chadwick
7. Jon Russell - Huddersfield
Russell, right, has struggled for game time following his move from Chelsea in the summer and has made only three Terriers appearances this term. Picture: Jan Kruger/Getty Images Photo: Jan Kruger
8. Ben Thompson - Millwall
Thompson has fallen down the pecking order under Gary Rowett which has heightened calls for a Pompey homecoming from the Fratton faithful. Picture: Julian Finney/Getty Images Photo: Julian Finney