Conor Shaughnessy return date emerges in Portsmouth injury update
John Mousinho says Conor Shaughnessy could return for Portsmouth to face Burnley on 1 February in a long-awaited return.
BBC Radio Solent’s Andy Moon (20 January) posted the update on X having spoken to Mousinho ahead of the contest with Stoke City at Fratton Park this Wednesday (22 January).
Shaughnessy has not played since August for a Pompey side desperately seeking stability at the back, suffering separate injuries in both of his calves.
Moon shared: “Pompey head coach John Mousinho says Conor Shaughnessy’s recovery continues to progress and all being well he could be involved by Burnley.”
Portsmouth survival odds boosted by Shaughnessy return
Shaughnessy missed just one game last season as Portsmouth roared to the League One title, so naturally, he was earmarked as a key figure in establishing the Blues in the Championship.
It has barely turned out that way so far, however, with the Irishman having been sidelined for what is approaching six months.
Mousinho’s cruellest injury blow has come through the 28-year-old’s absence – and there have been plenty to choose from.
The boss has struggled to find a rubber-stamped central defensive pairing, using seven different combinations in his back four this season.
These have included Shaughnessy in the early weeks along with Regan Poole, Ryley Towler, Tom McIntyre, Zak Swanson, Jordan Williams, Rob Atkinson and Marlon Pack.
Pompey remain active in the transfer market but perhaps the best ‘signing’ of all for the second half of the campaign will be the return to action of their last Player of the Season.
In other Portsmouth news, Mousinho makes a great quip about Matt Ritchie’s longevity.
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