Portsmouth Weigh Transfer Options Amid Defensive Injury Crisis Before Leeds Clash.
Portsmouth are considering entering the free-agent market to reinforce their defense, which has been significantly weakened by injuries. Currently sitting 17th in the Championship, Pompey face a tough challenge on Sunday when they host league leaders Leeds United at Fratton Park.
However, defensive options are severely limited, with Hayden Matthews sidelined for the remainder of the season due to an ankle injury, while Rob Atkinson is expected to be out for up to eight weeks with a calf problem.
The squad is further depleted as former Leeds defender Conor Shaughnessy (hamstring) and Ibane Bowat remain long-term absentees. This situation leaves John Mousinho with just Regan Poole and Ryley Towler as the only fully fit specialist central defenders.
Assessing the Free-Agent Market
Mousinho acknowledged that his team is open to exploring free-agent options but pointed out the challenges of doing so at this stage of the season. He explained that signing a player now is complicated because free agents often require three to four weeks to regain match fitness, typically due to recent injuries or release from previous clubs. He emphasized the difficulty of making the right acquisition in such a market.
Pompey began their campaign with an entertaining 3-3 draw against Leeds United but recently saw their three-game winning streak halted by a narrow defeat at Kenilworth Road against Luton Town. Mousinho reflected on the match, expressing disappointment over his team’s performance.
Read Also: Chelsea Lost “England’s Next Superstar” for £0 – Now He’s Worth £80M
He stated that fundamental mistakes cost them the game, pointing out that within five minutes, one of their central midfielders had already received a booking for an unnecessary challenge. He observed that the team repeatedly conceded free kicks, entirely deviating from their initial game plan.
Mousinho was particularly frustrated with the team’s attitude, admitting that while their second-half performance improved, it was too late to salvage the game. He asserted that Portsmouth were not dismantled by an exceptional opponent but instead made poor decisions, ultimately leading to conceding a goal from their own free-kick.
With a crucial fixture against Leeds approaching, Portsmouth now face the challenge of strengthening their depleted defensive line, while also addressing the inconsistency that plagued their recent performance.
Portsmouth Weigh Transfer Options Amid Defensive Injury Crisis Before Leeds Clash.
