John Mousinho looks set to have his secret Portsmouth weapon back
Portsmouth are expecting Christian Saydee back available this weekend as John Mousinho and his team return to Championship action.
Pompey take on Blackburn Rovers at Fratton Park this Saturday (29 March) with an ideal opportunity to end a run of back-to-back defeats, and Saydee is one of several in contention to return to the squad.
The international break has come at a bittersweet time in terms of fitness for Mousinho, given Saydee and Jordan Williams have both had adequate time to recuperate and get back involved, though Kusini Yengi is now – hopefully briefly – back on the sidelines after his Australia camp.
Saydee could have surprising impact
Saydee had a bright start to the season with Portsmouth having played a part in the League One promotion last term.
With Colby Bishop and Yengi both out at the start of 2024-25, Saydee had an opportunity through the middle for which he stamped down a marker when he fired a double away at Middlesbrough in late August, almost enough to win the game for the Blues at the Riverside.
Saydee also won the late penalty on the opening weekend at Leeds United which was tucked away by Callum Lang, demonstrating what he can bring to a side in attack even when they are absorbing all kinds of pressure at the other end.
The bustling forward is still only 22 and has plenty of time on his side to develop, and should only leave Fratton Park if a suitable offer comes in – though Pompey’s hands may be tied with his current contract only running until next year.
Depending on his own personal preferences, Saydee could alternatively sign an extension with Pompey and head out on loan if further attacking recruits are brought in. But for now, he is an option.
Portsmouth need squad depth for last eight
Luckily for Portsmouth, Yengi’s injury is not as bad as first feared, with Mousinho revealing it should only be around a 10-day absence with a hamstring strain.
In any case, the striker has struggled when he has featured in the Championship, and Bishop is now back in the goals as many expected after a run of games following his return.
Mousinho told the Portsmouth official website (28 March): “[Yengi] has got a slight hamstring strain that shouldn’t keep him out for more than 10 days.
“Jordan Williams and Christian Saydee are training again and both available. Conor Shaughnessy is out on the grass, but probably still a couple of weeks away.”
| Christian Saydee – 2024-25 | Appearances |
| Portsmouth | 27 |
It bodes well for the Blues, who need squad depth to get themselves over the line for good and plan for Championship football again next term.
Whether Saydee is a striker, an attacking midfielder, a wide player – it’s still up for debate, in truth. However, he brings a quiet but golden attribute with his hold-up play to turn the tide of momentum, and an ability to suddenly make something happen.
Unproven at this level he may be, but Saydee is definitely a great player to have back in the squad.