Portsmouth star Marlon Pack sends message after season-ending EFL injury news
Portsmouth have been ravaged by injuries this season, with John Mousinho dealing with an awful hand at times.
However, Mousinho and his Portsmouth side are pushing through the injury barrier, with several stars now having returned to bolster his squad despite some key men potentially ruled out until the summer.
The head coach is always quick to point out rival clubs are dealing with the same issue in the Championship this term, and that has been the case after Marlon Pack spoke out this week.
Portsmouth captain speaks out after injury update
Pack has been quick to show his support on social media after a fellow experienced Championship player revealed he will not play again this season.
Blackburn Rovers forward Andi Weimann played alongside Pack at Bristol City earlier in their careers and he has posted on his Instagram page (6 March) informing fans he will not feature again in 2024-25 after undergoing meniscus surgery.
Many current and former teammates of Weimann’s flocked to offer their support and boost the mood of the ex-Aston Villa star.
Commenting on Weimann’s post, the Pompey skipper said: “All the best mate”, followed by a raised hands emoji and a red heart emoji to support his old teammate.
Pack has seen first-hand how injuries can affect players at his own club, and as captain will have been a rock among the squad for any player struggling on the sidelines.
Pack vital between now and May
Pack has taken some criticism this season, but his leadership for Portsmouth will be crucial between now and the end of the season.
Championship experience was always going to be the most vital aspect of Mousinho’s side staying in the division this year, and the skipper carries that in abundance, alongside some of his best-performing teammates.
It’s clear Mousinho wants Pack leading Portsmouth on the pitch, not just in the dressing room, but has found it difficult at times to carve out a place for him in the side.
| Portsmouth captains – 2024-25 (all comps) | Number of games |
| Marlon Pack | 27 |
| Matt Ritchie | 6 |
| Regan Poole | 3 |
| Will Norris* | 1 |
The head coach has a neat selection of central midfield players, while in defence he is now short again – meaning Pack has been drafted back in as a square peg in a round hole.
Mousinho evidently trusts his leader to demonstrate his experience and calming effect at the back, even if sometimes technically it can be a slog against tough league opponents – Leeds United at Fratton Park this Sunday providing the ultimate challenge.