David Norris rues ‘Ridiculous’ situation at Portsmouth as Leeds comparison made
David Norris has called the injury record at Portsmouth this season “ridiculous” and has acknowledged the blessing of a large squad at Fratton Park.
The former Pompey midfielder has identified the key area in which John Mousinho’s options could be lacking long-term, and says the club would be in deep problems if their squad was any smaller.
The Blues had seven first-team players out before the season had even begun, and are slowly trying to achieve a cleaner bill of health.
“Portsmouth’s injury record has been ridiculous in the past couple of months, and having a big squad has really helped get them through,” Norris exclusively told Pompey News.
“I still think they’re missing and out-and-out number nine, whereas players have come back to match fitness in other areas of the pitch.
“This season, it has looked like as soon as one or two are coming back, another one picks up an injury. If they had a squad the size of, say, Leeds United, they would be in real trouble.”
Portsmouth approaching potentially decisive games
For Portsmouth, the next two games could prove potentially vital either way in the Championship season – with both QPR and Cardiff City providing tests within the next week.
Pompey’s injury issues have dried up slightly compared to some weeks ago, but Ibane Bowat and Colby Bishop remain longer-term absentees, while the club are racing to get Conor Shaughnessy, Kusini Yengi and Callum Lang back fully fit.
Mousinho will not be happy that Sammy Silvera travelled with the Australia national side only to not feature in Tony Popovic’s side against China nor Japan, with a short turnaround between his report back to Copnor Road and the QPR game in West London on Saturday [19 October].
Norris’ claim of a number nine being required could be a more forward-thinking issue, with Mark O’Mahony deserving of his current place having scored in each of his last two games.
The hope is that now the fitness is building, the momentum will pick up pace – and crucially the results.
In other Portsmouth news, Jermain Defoe fires a brutal warning at John Mousinho.
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