And with just four new arrivals through the door to date at Fratton Park, there’s plenty of work still to do transfer-wise – with the Blues’ forward department looking threadbare, to say the least.
Hopefully, we’ll see a few additions made between now and the season-opener against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, July 30.
But if not, how would the Pompey starting XI and bench look if only players currently contracted to the club were available?
Here’s how we think that line-up would look...
9. Marcus Harness - right wing
The winger is still here, despite plenty of noise made about his future over the summer. His late withdrawal from the side that drew 0-0 at Bristol City on Tuesday failed to dampen that speculation. In the meantime, he remains contracted with the Blues - and his presence and versatility will be crucial, especially with Danny Cowley short of options in the forward department. Photo: Jason Brown
10. Ronan Curtis - centre-forward
The Irishman appears the natural choice to fulfil the vacant No9 position, having played there before for the Blues and former club Derry City, Is he the answer to Pompey's striker problems? No, and he'd probably agree, Yet needs must, despite Curtis' influence when he plays out wide on the left. Photo: Jason Brown
11. Michael Jacobs - left wing
So many fans were delighted to see Jacobs commit his future to the club in the summer. We all know what he can do, we just need to see it more on a consistent basis. He's no doubt more effective operating through the middle, but with Curtis needed up front, the former Wigan man can still do a job out wide. Picture: Rogan/Fever Pitch Photo: Rogan
12. Alex Bass - sub 1
The arrival of Griffiths means Bass, once again, faces an uncertain future at Pompey. Crawley have made a bid for the academy graduate. It will be interesting to see if he's here once the Sheffield Wednesday game comes round in two weeks time. There's doubts he will. But if the game was played today, Bass would be on the bench. Photo: Jason Brown