Portsmouth ‘have cause for concern’ after Kusini Yengi news
Kusini Yengi struggled to impact the game for Portsmouth as they fell to a defeat against Preston.
Portsmouth look likely to achieve Championship safety, but it has been a very mixed campaign for the Blues this time out.
Results like the win against Leeds United have been somewhat overshadowed by others such as the defats to Plymouth and Preston, showcasing their lack of consistency.
However, for the majority of that period, Yengi has been forced to sit on the sidelines having picked up an injury in November, and Pompey have a new concern regarding the striker.
Yengi called up for international duty
Despite only recently returning from a lengthy injury, Yengi has been called up to the Australian national team for the March international break, and it could be a major concern at Fratton Park.
The 26-year-old started the clash at Deepdale but failed to have any influence in it, making just one pass and losing many of his individual duels.
Simply put, he still looked as though he was lacking sharpness, which is to be expected of course. But the fact he will be jetting off with Australia will prevent him from easing back into the rhythm of the Championship.
| Portsmouth | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Kusini Yengi | 11 | 4 | 0 |
John Mousinho will have inevitably preferred for the striker to remain with the squad and get back into the swing of things ahead of the final run-in, but that is not to be.
For now, the only thing that Mousinho can do is hope that the Australian returns without injury.
Mousinho needs to address Portsmouth shortcoming
Portsmouth have struggled the most against teams in and around them in the table, and if they are to cement their place in the Championship next season, that needs to be addressed.
With eight games remaining, the relegation picture could change in an instant, and unless Mousinho can find the winning formula, Pompey are at risk of succumbing to that.
The international break may provide a concern in regard to the fitness of some, but also an opportunity to get back on the training pitch and put in the hard yards.