Jacob Farrell in contention for Portsmouth debut v Burnley as trio ruled out
Jacob Farrell is set to make his Portsmouth debut this weekend away at Burnley, John Mousinho has revealed.
Speaking to BBC Radio Solent’s Rob Sills on 18 September, the Blues boss confirmed Australian left-back Farrell is now in contention, having missed the start of his first season in England.
Mousinho also claimed Regan Poole is available from the start after his emotional cameo return against West Brom, which put an end to almost 10 months on the sidelines with an ACL injury.
On a downward note, Kusini Yengi, Mark O’Mahony and Conor Shaughnessy are all thought to be ruled out at this stage.
Mousinho said: “Jacob and Regan played in the behind-closed-doors game we had during the week, they’re available to start.
“We played a competitive 60-minute game with Havant & Waterlooville and the outcome was really positive. Everyone without an injury is available to start.
“Mark has some bone bruising – he’ll miss the weekend but should be back in training on Monday; Kas [Yengi] will be a couple of weeks and we’ll monitor him, it’s frustrating as he just felt his groin in the last kick of the warmup on Sunday; Shaughs is an area of his calf we have to be really careful with.”
Portsmouth receive bittersweet injury news for Burnley
Whilst it’s a great boost for Portsmouth to see the likes of Poole, Josh Murphy and Tom McIntyre fit and firing, it has also been a frustrating juggling act with several absentees.
Shaughnessy initially missed the draw with Middlesbrough last month through illness, before sustaining the calf injury which has kept last season’s Player of the Year sidelined since.
Poole will at least provide a huge boost where Shaughnessy’s absence is concerned, which could result in Jordan Williams returning to his preferred right-back slot.
Elsewhere in defence, Ibane Bowat – signed from Fulham on deadline day – has received crushing fitness news as he is sidelined for several months with a serious knee injury.
Farrell has been a frustrating a case, likewise with Murphy, who finally made his official debut against West Brom – the two-time A-League-winning full-back is set to replicate that at Turf Moor.
With Yengi and O’Mahony a double attacking blow, Christian Saydee may again be given the nod to start up top against Scott Parker’s side as Pompey search for their first Championship win.
In other Portsmouth news, the ex-Pompey striker labelled a “cheat code” and compared to Erling Haaland.
For more Portsmouth news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.