View: John Mousinho could be handed Zak Swanson boost for Portsmouth v Blackburn
John Mousinho could be boosted by the return of Zak Swanson when Portsmouth travel to Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.
Pompey headed into the November international break off the back of a much-needed win.
On what was without a doubt their best day of the season so far, Mousinho’s side recorded a 3-1 Championship victory over Preston North End at Fratton Park (9 November).
It was a day which was marked by the surprise return of Colby Bishop, with the striker getting himself right back among the goals.
As a result, the mood will no doubt be high among the Portsmouth players and supporters ahead of the club’s Championship clash at Ewood Park (23 November).
And after the return of Bishop, it seems as though the good news just keeps on coming, with Mousinho potentially set to be boosted by the return of Swanson against Blackburn, as well as another defender.
As per The News (19 November), Swanson has been spotted back in first-team training, courtesy of a post to X by KingsTheatre, who headed down to Portsmouth’s training ground to do some promotional work with the club for their upcoming ‘Pompey Panto’ Dick Whittingham.
While it is an unlikely source for a bit of injury news, Portsmouth fans will likely take whatever positive news they can get, especially after the injury struggles they have had this season.
And the return of Swanson would be a huge boost.
Swanson started six of Portsmouth’s first nine Championship matches this season.
However, the 24-year-old has missed the club’s last six matches and hasn’t been seen since 5 October. Therefore, his return will be hugely anticipated, especially with the fitness concerns over Jordan Williams.
Zak Swanson to return for Portsmouth against Blackburn Rovers?
While Terry Devlin has been in fine form himself, having Swanson available at right-back once again would be a huge boost for Mousinho.
Swanson has put in some top displays this season, particularly in the 0-0 Championship draw with Sheffield United at Fratton Park on Saturday 28 September, where he helped Pompey claim a rare clean sheet, with Mousinho’s side having achieved a shutout on only one other occasion this term.
As per Sofascore, the ex-Arsenal man was a rock at the back, winning 100 per cent of his ground duels and two of his three aerial duels, while also giving away no fouls and not being dribbled past once.
In addition, Swanson made four tackles, one interception, one clearance and blocked one shot.
While he did struggle a bit on the ball, completing just 72 per cent of his passes, while both of his crosses into the box were inaccurate, his defensive display was crucial in helping Pompey earn a rare Championship point.
However, Swanson has also struggled at times, making an error which led to a shot and being dribbled past three times as Pompey were beaten 6-1 by Stoke City in the Championship at the bet365 Stadium on Wednesday 2 October.
Therefore, he might not necessarily walk straight back into Mousinho’s side and could struggle to displace Devlin after his recent form.
However, just having a quality option like that back in the squad will be huge for the club.
In other Portsmouth news, Mousinho might have no choice but to axe one player against Blackburn.
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