Portsmouth injury news: Doctor shares fitness verdict on Regan Poole
Portsmouth defender Regan Poole is expected to be back at 100 per cent post his ACL injury in 2023 by next season, according to Dr Rajpal Brar.
The injury expert claims that despite the centre-back playing regularly for Pompey, he carries a slim risk of re-injury.
The 26-year-old played the full 90 minutes as his side lost 2-1 to Preston.
Regan Poole unlikely to have minutes monitored at Portsmouth
Even though Poole has a slim chance of an injury setback, his minutes are not expected to be monitored until the end of the season.
Discussing his situation exclusively with Portsmouth News, Dr Brar, a doctor in physical therapy and a sports scientist, said: “Poole suffered an unfortunate ACL rupture back in November 2023 and that kept him out of action for months.
“While he has been playing 90 minutes regularly in recent weeks, I still say it takes 18 months for a player to return to 100 per cent fitness post an ACL setback.
“There isn’t a high risk of re-injury currently, but there’s always a slim one and I reckon that will be the case until the end of the season even though his minutes aren’t expected to be monitored.“
Pompey fans expected to see Regan Poole back at his best next season
As Dr Brar mentioned, it takes 18 months for a player to fully recover so Poole’s performances may not be at an optimum level.
Portsmouth fans are likely to see the best of the 26-year-old next season following his ACL rupture in 2023, as his recovery and return to regular play signal a strong comeback for the centre-back.
After undergoing surgery and a meticulous rehabilitation process, Poole even signed a new contract until 2027, reflecting the club’s confidence in his potential.
| Championship 2024/25 | Position | Points |
| Portsmouth | 17th | 42 |
| Oxford United | 18th | 42 |
| Hull City | 19th | 41 |
| Stoke City | 20th | 39 |
| Cardiff City | 21st | 39 |
| Derby County | 22nd | 38 |
His recent performances suggest he’s regaining form, but his history of injury vulnerability, including the ACL tear, demands caution.
Pompey must carefully manage his minutes, avoiding overexertion, especially after playing regularly since his return, to prevent re-injury.
With the club avoiding getting relegated from the Championship and Poole’s importance to their defensive solidity, a gradual reintegration, possibly with rotation or tailored training, will ensure he peaks sustainably, delivering his best for Fratton Park in the 2025-26 season.